Another Year Comes To A Close

Internet seems to work in the morning or afternoon so I'm blogging now instead of just before I go upstairs ...

Sunday, December 28 - Sue came to watch Jessie while I went to church. After a great sermon by Pastor Ed about suffering, we had a special healing service. I went forward for anointing and healing for my back and hip. I trust God to heal me in the way that would bring Him the most glory. Being anointed or praying for a healing requires faith and God's will. I remember one time I took my mom forward for an anointing. I was going to go, too, but they thought I was coming to help my mom and bypassed me. Mom wasn't healed, but I was! I don't remember today what I had hoped to be healed from, only that I was. Chris came in the late afternoon and we visited while Jessie occupied herself with her iPad.

Monday, December 29 - Jess and I slept in then left for a late breakfast at the Country Inn for crispy french toast. We stopped at Wiegand's then went to the Comcast center (I needed a multi-stream cable card) where I got a very close parking spot up by the door.  However, when I entered, I was #39 and they hadn't even reached #1 yet. There had to be at least 50 people in this place with only about 10 spots to sit. To me, this was unacceptable. We left. On to Barnes and Noble for an in the door, buy and out the door visit. Walgreen's and the post office were last before we came home. Jess was pretty good with all our stops, but once we got home talked non-stop for about 3 hours.

Tuesday, December 30 - Jon, Jess and I had doctor's appointments in the morning. I told them we were there for the "family plan". Jon came home and Jess and I had hair appointments at noon. When we finished we called Jon and met him at Wendy's for lunch (our dinner).

Wednesday, December 31 - This brings us to today ... New Year's Eve. I started out with high hopes but having to supervise Jess all day gives me a non-productive day. She's been on my case since the day after Christmas to get her tree down so she could make "a mess again!" in her room. I needed Jon's help to get the rubbermaids out of my closet. In the mean time we dealt with a Comcast contractor coming out to run a new cable and not bringing the card we needed. That put me on the phone for over a half hour to Comcast. I'm still on November's record keeping for Jessie's stuff and I got about 15 minutes done today. Jon's working on his model ship and a tiny piece (they are all tiny!) flew across the room into carpet the same color as the piece. That didn't go over well. I was going to make scalloped potatoes and ham for dinner but chucked that idea and we went to Benny's! Unfortunately, after we were seated, the next group came in and had 3 youngsters and a toddler. We had to move. Jessie about lost it and she's been hollering ever since she got home. I need earplugs!

Thank you, Becky, for your very nice comment! That was very special! Blessings to you and your family, too. I've appreciated your comments these past years.

Tonight at midnight, the calendars roll over. Another year behind - another year ahead. Whether we are ready or not. New Year's resolutions will be made and most like broken before the week is out. I don't make any, but if I did, my one resolution would be to spend more quality time with God. That's all that is important, anyway, isn't it? Our relationship with God and His Son, Jesus.

May each one of you find the peace in 2015 that can come only from knowing Jesus Christ personally.

Friday and Saturday

Yesterday I had a specialist appointment for my hip - Mr. Ice Man. Jon said, "What did you expect? He's a surgeon!" True, but this man topped the cake of iciness. The MRI of my hip showed two tears, some arthritis and bursitis. He felt that the pain I've been experiencing comes from my back, not my hip. However, since he is the specialist, he knew right where to push to give me intense pain. And he give me a shot of cortizone in the hip. Jon said it was a good thing I didn't see the needle. You know, Jon enjoys the medical trauma I go through way too much. He's getting a wide scope of more medical knowledge thanks to me.

We went to FCS's, Logan's Steakhouse for lunch, then Barnes and Noble before I told Jon I needed to get home, take a pain killer and ice my hip. Believe it or not, I watched 2 Christmas movies. I've watched more movies in the past week or so than I have in the past 2 years!

Today my hip was better but my back wasn't. I did go to a friend's house who had an essential oils class, then Jane met Rachel, Jessie and me at Ocean Breeze for our annual Christmas lunch then back to the house to exchange presents. When they left I sat on the couch for a bit, played on the iPad then took a nap.

I need to get busy and do some paperwork. I've been concentrating on Christmas for weeks, now I need to concentrate on getting caught up then doing Income Tax stuff. It never ends. I hate paperwork! I'm sure I've said that before a time or two!

Merry Christmas!

Santa came last night and filled our stockings. Jessie opened hers this morning and Jon and I opened ours when he got home from work. Jess and I had a quiet breakfast then she went back to watching videos on her iPad. She will wait to read her new books with Rachel, she'll watch her DVD's and do art projects with Debbie and she'll wear her new hat with Brenda. This afternoon she said to me ... "Christmas done! Halloween coming!"  I'm doomed!

I would like to wish everyone who reads my blog a very Merry Christmas (there's still a few hours left!) and a Happy New Year. I pray that each one of you would have the peace that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ - the reason for the season.

My family room Christmas tree last year was decorated with all of Jessie's ornaments. This year I used all my mom's (antique) ornaments and her Hallmark dollhouse ornaments. She collected them since the early 1990's and I am continuing to add one each year. Next year I'll put my own ornaments on the tree again.

Christmas Eve

Jon worked today, Christmas Day, so we celebrated yesterday, just the 3 of us. Before we went to bed Jon and I put our presents under the tree.

Because we had told Jessie we would open presents in the afternoon, she wasn't ready to come downstairs in eager anticipation to open gifts. We told her we were going to go out to breakfast, but Jon and I knew she would want to open presents first. We got dressed and made our way downstairs and Jessie was excited to see all the presents. She sat right down on the floor ready to dive into all the boxes. We asked her if she wanted to go out to breakfast first or open presents first. Unbelievably,she chose going out to breakfast first! Both Jon and I were stunned. So, that's what we did.

Unfortunately, when I went to bed last night something cracked in my hip and I was in extreme pain. I slept all night in the chair. Walking this morning was not good so I had to use the walker. I'm so glad Jon was home - he helped me alot.

When we finished our breakfast at Benny's and wished our 2 favorite waitresses (Heather and Mattie) a Merry Christmas, we came home and opened presents. Jess did get her "ten presents" - several times over.

After presents we put the duck in the oven, I took a heavy pain pill and sat down and watched a Christmas movie. In fact, I watched another one later in the evening, too. Jon's duck was excellent. I made a corn casserole and we had left overs from yesterday. In all, it was a very nice day despite my pain.

Tuesday

Doreen and Shiloh came to celebrate Christmas on Tuesday morning. Doreen made and brought her "every year Christmas morning breakfast", a delicious french toast casserole. We exchanged presents after breakfast. It's been great having Doreen and her family back in our lives again.

Diane and Randie came over around 1:30 to celebrate Christmas. We had a very nice dinner then we opened presents. Jessie was even pretty good for most of the day. She enjoyed her presents, but then went right back to her iPad.

Christmas Sunday and Monday

Jon had yesterday off and it's been over 3 years since I've sat with a family member during a church service. Sue came early and I met Jon at church. It was sooooo nice sitting with my son. I know that may sound strange to some of you, but church has been a part of my entire life and we always sat together as a family. Church was really nice and then we had communion. It couldn't have been nicer.

When we got home, I spent the rest of the day wrapping presents. I thought I was finished, but I got another present in the mail today that's for Jessie so it will have to be wrapped. Jessie came upstairs later and she handed me scotch tape for the presents she has for Diane and Randie and Jon.

Our friends, Al and Caroline, invited the 3 of us to dinner last night! Jessie did NOT want to go, but I talked to her about it all day long. She went without a meltdown and she was very good. She's been there before, so I knew she would be pretty good. We took her iPad and that kept her occupied before and after dinner, which was excellent!

At one point it got too quiet in the living room (we were talking around the kitchen table) I looked and noticed that Jessie was on her tummy, eyeing the presents that were for their family. She pulled several of them out of the pile and when I asked her what she was doing and she told me that she was taking them home and putting them under our tree. This girl does love her presents! And everyone elses!

Today I had some last minute running around to do. Remember the ketchup we needed? I stopped at Walgreen's thinking I'd buy a bottle there, but walked out when the only bottle on the shelf was over $4.00!!! I ended up at Kroger's where I could have purchased 3 for that price. The parking lot was packed and so was the store, except I got right in line and didn't have to wait. My only wait was at the post office, and just because I had a package that wouldn't fit in our mailbox.

Brenda came by after dinner and exchanged gifts with Jessie. I have some great pictures that I'll have to post later. Doreen and Shiloh are coming for breakfast (and bringing it!) and Diane and Randie are coming at 1:30 for our Christmas dinner and presents. I think I need to go to bed - like now.

My Winter Village

We all slept in this morning, and Rachel didn't come until 11:00. Jon went out to breakfast then finished his Christmas shopping. He spent the afternoon wrapping.

We had a SM Ladies' pot luck lunch at Vita's home this afternoon, then we sat around for several hours just visiting. It was very nice. There were 6 of us that were able to attend.

Rachel and Jessie made orange cookies and walnut chocolate chip cookies, plus read many books.

Naturally, I was too tired to fix dinner. It takes a lot out of a person visiting and laughing! We went to Benny's. I had a $10.00 rewards card, so I didn't feel too bad.

The 2 pictures are of my Winter Village I put up this year. It's 3 levels and I rather like it. I think if you click on the picture you'll be able to make it bigger to see the small decorations.

If We Don't Have It, We Don't Need It !!!

I told Jon to get me up when he left at 6:00 a.m. so that I wouldn't sleep through my alarm because I had 2 MRI's scheduled for 8:00 a.m. Rachel came at 6:45 a.m. and didn't leave today until 3:45 p.m. She had a very full day.

Thank you to all who prayed for me. The open MRI machine was brand new. It was huge and much more "comfortable" than the others I have been in. However, laying flat on my back for an hour was quite uncomfortable for my lower back. I took pain medication before I got there and that helped alot. Your prayers were appreciated. Thank you.

When the MRI's were completed, I went to breakfast, Kroger's for gas ($2.15 per gallon!) and the post office. I stopped at home and got the grocery money I had forgotten earlier. I went to the bank, Kohl's, Michael's and finally Meijer's. I did another 2-week shopping, as I do NOT want to go anywhere near a store next week.  That's why I said, "If we don't have it, we don't need it!"  However, fixing dinner I realized we are in need of ketchup. If you know Jessie, you know this is a major problem. Someone MUST go to the store and get a few bottles, that's for sure.

I was very tired when I got home so after Rachel left and all the groceries were put away, I sat on the couch and used my iPad for a bit then took a nap. Dinner was hot dogs! That's all the energy I had. It may not be midnight before I go to bed tonight.

Wednesday and Tuesday

I couldn't get on the internet last night so tonight is two posts. Yesterday I went to my family doctor and he ordered 2 MRI's, which will be done tomorrow. One for my lower back and one for my right hip. Prayers would be appreciated as laying flat on the hard table and not moving is difficult for me. Thankfully it's supposed to be an open MRI. Last night Rachel came and took are of Jessie while I had Stephen Ministry. They decorated Jessie's Christmas tree! Thus, the decorating is officially finished!

Today Doreen came and cleaned my house (THANKS, FRIEND!), I wrapped some Christmas presents until JoAnne came and she drove us to Bahama Breeze and I treated her to lunch for her Christmas present. Jon had gone to see The Hobbit earlier and met us there. It was delicious - as it always is. The next time I go there, though, I need to try something different. I've never gotten anything but the pecan crusted salmon.

Brenda took Jessie to Gym class today and after they played in the gym for about 15 minutes, they had a Christmas party. They were given Reindeer antler hats to wear and Brenda said Jessie wore it ALL day - even in McDonald's where they ate lunch later. Jess had a very good day.

First thing every morning Jessie comes downstairs and moves the mouse on our Christmas count down calendar. Tomorrow the mouse will be the last row and she gets so excited counting the days until Santa arrives. Jess even received a letter from Santa in the mail yesterday. She was pretty excited about that. It will always be a kids's Christmas in this household.

Monday and Tuesday ... Pain !!!

Yesterday was one of the worse days for pain that I have had in months. I woke with such pain in my right hip, I could barely walk. It was awful. I wasn't able to do much except to sit and do paperwork. I even took strong pain medicine in the afternoon and watched a DVD. It didn't do much, though. I slept in the chair last night and today was better. I'm glad I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow for a follow up from my hip xray, even though I already know the results. Degenerative changes and bone spurs on the hip. Wonderful.

Monday Debbie was here for Jessie and today Rachel was. She's home from college for the holidays and both Debbie and Brenda are taking off for 2 weeks plus to give themselves a break and give the hours to Rachel. Jess seems OK with it so far. Just when she will get used to Rachel being here and a changed schedule, we'll go back to the regular schedule. It takes about 2 weeks for her to be acclimated to a changed schedule.

All decorating in the house is done - EXCEPT for Jessie's tree. At this point I wonder if it's even worth the time to put the ornaments on. She doesn't seem to care and she doesn't spend much time in there. She wanted it up last week and decorated. Guess I was too slow for her.

Saturday and Sunday

Yesterday it was "just you and me!" as Jess would say, since Jon had to work. We went out to breakfast, Walgreen's, Michael's, the post office then stayed home the rest of the day. Other than Jessie's tree, the decorating is finally done. This is the latest I've ever been in decorating but at least I did it. I also managed to do some checkbook paperwork. Jess had a good day, even in the evening when we watched Shiloh for 5 hours. They were both pretty good. I'm glad it went so well.

Today - another "just you and me!" day, until Chris visited in the afternoon. Jon got "mandated" and had to work a couple extra hours and just got home about a half hour ago. I did paperwork all day and Jess occupied herself with her Apples 2 Apples cards and her iPad. Chris and I watched the movie, The Christmas Candle. The book was written by Max Lucado. It was VERY good. I enjoyed it a lot. It stars Susan Boyle, the beautiful singer from England. However, I hate to say it, she can NOT act. Just keep doing what you do well, Susan, and that is SING!

Thursday and Friday

For whatever reason, the internet went down again on my computer when it was time to blog last night. I wasn't in the mood to blog, so it worked out well for me.

I decided this year to go all out and decorate like I used to. I felt it was time. This will be the 3rd Christmas without Bill. I've been decorating since Thanksgiving and I'm almost done. However, it hasn't had the good effect on me I thought it would. It's made me more depressed.

I've had the opportunity to go out to quite a few parties this year and visit friends that I haven't seen in a long time. It's been fun. But when I walk in the door after being out, I feel such a loss. I miss Bill alot. Christmas was his favorite time of the year. I'm really trying hard to stay positive and uplifted, especially for Jessie, but for some reason this year seems so empty.

All I ever wanted to be since I was 5 years old (my earliest recollection), was to be a wife and mother. God blessed me with both and I praise Him for that. I just thought it'd last longer than it did. Being a widow and single mother is tough. I know that I am doing very well and God has provided so much for me, it's just that some days in a year are harder than other days.

OK.  I'm done complaining. By the way, the picture is from Christmas of 2010.

Why Do People Always Say I'm Always Out Somewhere?

Because I am. I was out for 6 hours earlier and 3 1/2 hours tonight. This morning I had an appointment with the surgeon for my shoulder and knee. An xray revealed that my knee hardware is where it should be and nothing is loose. That's a very good thing. The strength I have in my shoulder/arm is in the top 5% of surgeries with severe tears like I had. The doctor was pleased. Me, too. Even though it's a good thing, I still want to strengthen it with more exercises.

From the doctor's appointment I went and had a hip xray, Party City to return confetti, Best Buy to purchase items for Lois, Sam's Club for my traditional Christmas Cookie tin (and a full basket later!), Meijer's for gas, Kohl's for a Christmas tree for Jessie's room, Walgreen's for medication for me and the post office for mail. When I got home Jon helped me put up Jessie's tree, I made their dinner then left to have dinner with Diane, Randie, Denise and Caity.

We went to Ike's in Sterling Heights. We met there last year, too. We even sat at the very same table! I guess it was our 2nd annual Christmas dinner. It was soooo nice visiting with Denise and Caity. I've missed them alot. Of course, it's always nice being with Diane and Randie, too. I had a delicious pecan crusted salmon dinner. Yummy.

I really need to stay home and get paperwork done. I'm behind again. Nothing new with that.

Still Decorating

I had a SM Leader's meeting at 12:30 today and didn't get home until after 2:30 p.m. As soon as I got home I began putting up my Christmas Village. I have not put it up in at least 5 years. After Bill was diagnosed, with cancer, the next 2 Christmases were really hard. I did minimal decorating.

Having worked in a school for 30 years, I received alot of Christmas decorations/ornaments from students, and I probably still have them all. Christmas was Bill's favorite time of the year. His job was outside decorating and mine was inside. He loved how I went all out and made the house look so festive. After Bill passed away I didn't feel like decorating either, yet knew I needed to not only for me but for the kids. All that to say I'm going all out again this year. It's just taking me forever! My tree is done, though.

Jon worked and Jessie had a good day with Brenda at the Gym and swimming. I need to get back there and get in that pool and walk in the lazy river. It's great exercise.

Below is a picture of the Glory Girls taken last night ...

Jon's Tree

Jon's tree has been "up" for over a week and today it finally got decorated. Jessie wanted to help and Jon graciously let her hand him all the ornaments. She stuck with it the entire time. I even think Debbie helped a bit, too. Jon's tree turned out absolutely beautiful!

While they were decorating, I was upstairs wrapping presents for the Glory Girls Christmas party that was tonight. I'll share those pictures tomorrow.

From Jon's tree Jessie was determined she needed Debbie's help to clean up her bedroom so we could put her tree up. It's not decorated, but we are one step closer. She really could do with a larger tree. I have a 30% Kohl's coupon and $10.00 in Kohl's bucks. Hopefully, their trees are on sale! We'll see. She has enough ornaments to fill a huge tree. We did put all her ornaments on my family room tree last year.

Hanging Out On A Sunday

Jon went to church, but I shut off my alarm and because Jessie was quiet (believe it or not), I slept until 10:20 a.m. I was so tired when I went to bed last night. Guess I needed the extra sleep. So, I didn't make church!

We went to breakfast around lunch time at Dimitri's then came home and I sat on the couch and rested again! Right now I'm feeling good and ready to work. Both kids are asleep.

Thank you to who ever paid for our breakfast this morning! That was a special surprise treat, and I ask that God would bless you for doing such a kind deed.

Chris came over and brought pizza for dinner. We just sat in the kitchen and talked several hours. Jess occupied herself on the iPad. Jon cleaned his fish tank. That's it.

Thanks, Jon!

Jon stayed home today and watched Jessie for me while I was gone most of the day. I had to go to the bank, post office, dollar store and a friend's house who was having an Open House with crafts, etc. When I got home I had just enough time to change clothes, pack the van and pick up Marilyn and go to the Stephen Ministry Christmas Celebration. It was very nice - we had a room all to ourselves and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. I was especially glad since I took the responsibility to arrange the day and prepare for it. Marilyn helped me with gifts, favors and table decorations. When I got home, I changed clothes and the 3 of us went out to dinner. I wasn't hungry, so I brought most of it home for tomorrow, and we always take half of Jessie's meal away before she eats it. She'll have it for lunch tomorrow.

I have to tell you a couple things that happened last night - I was downstairs at the computer and both kids were in bed. I heard a loud bang from my room and thought Jessie had thrown something on the floor. However, immediately, she began yelling, "HEY!"  HEY!  HEY!" The hey's got louder and louder so I figured I had better go see what was up. I get to my bedroom and she keeps saying, "HEY!" but this time points to the closet. A pile of Christmas books and DVD's had fallen over. It was just so funny since she wouldn't say anything to me buy "HEY!"

Then this morning she went running down the hallway yelling "WOW"  "WOW"  "WOW"!  That was a little harder to figure out. She laid down at the top of the stairs and kept saying "WOW!" I finally figured out she wanted Christmas morning to be THIS morning. She was NOT happy when I told her it was still a couple weeks away! It's going to be a L-O-N-G time til Christmas!

Jessie's Prayer For Me

Debbie and Jessie met Kelly for breakfast this morning then went to Meijer's grocery shopping. On the list was Calcium pills for me, but when they went in that aisle, Jessie repeatedly said: "Mom, pain, butt?" When I got home today from having blood work done and going to a couple stores, Jessie wanted to know if I was any better. "A little bit", I said. When I went upstairs, she told Debbie she wanted to pray for "Mom's butt!", which they did. Jessie is just too funny. Although my butt does need prayers. It hurts!

The Decorating Has Begun

Shepherd's Gate had a very nice Ladies Breakfast and an Advent message from Beth Moore this morning. It was nice getting back with those ladies since out Bible Study ended several weeks ago and the new one doesn't start until the middle of January. There had to be at least 250-300 women in attendance. The message was wonderful and thought provoking.

Doreen and Shiloh came this afternoon and Doreen helped me get almost all the Christmas decorations down stairs. We used my stair chair. Then Doreen put more lights on my tree, the gold bead garland and Shiloh and I opened all the boxes of ornaments that I wanted on the tree.

This year's tree is very different. Last year it held all of Jessie's ornaments. This year it has all my mom's (plus the ones that I have bought each year since she passed away) "doll house" Hallmark ornaments on it (so far) and soon I will put all her old glass ornaments on. I really like it. I will post a picture of it when it's completed.

When Jessie got home with Brenda this afternoon she talked and talked and talked. She's still talking. It's no wonder she complains that her throat hurts. Mine would hurt, too, if I talked that much!

A Heffalump For Dinner

Have I ever mentioned how much I enjoy staying home? I really do. However, it always seems like I have to go somewhere and do something almost every day. Today was no different. Jon went with me to a doctor's appointment for my hip. It's been hurting a lot and I wanted a shot, which I got - and not in the arm! Now I have to schedule an appointment with a hip specialist. I was supposed to get blood work for another doctor's appointment next week, but my appointment ran longer than normal, Jon had his blood work done before they even registered me and the place was packed. So, now I'll have to go back on Friday and have blood drawn, as well as a hip xray.

We went to breakfast, Jon dropped me off at home and he went to places he missed the other day. I went to Walgreen's, picked up folded prayer letters, post office and back to Walgreen's. When I got home I prepared for Stephen Ministry and made dinner. Speaking of dinner - Jon and Jessie had BUFFALO burgers for dinner last night and Jessie kept saying "MMMMM"  "MMMMM".  Jon told her it was buffalo but she didn't know what that was so he showed her a picture of one on his phone. She stared at it then said: "Winnie the Pooh! Buffalo!" Jon didn't get it, but I think I did ... she thought it was a heffalump!

Both the kids tend to take after my mom, who would eat almost anything once. A friend of Chris' got a deer the other night and he gave Jon the heart and liver. It was fresh, bloddy and just down right gross.  Jon will be eating both by himself - or, maybe Jessie would eat some, too. Not me!

Friends

I know I've said this before, but I am so blessed to have so many friends. Some friends I don't see for years, others I see once a month or two, some more often. I had lunch today with 4 ladies I've known for 25+ years, yet we haven't visited in MANY years. I met them all when I worked at Havel Elementary School in the 80's. Today was a nice time of catching up. 

At dinner time I went to Macomb Christian Church's Ladies Christmas Dinner with some of the "Glory Girls". It was fun being out with these crazy ladies. They are all crazy. I guess that includes me, too.

Jon had off and went to many stores today, like I did last Saturday, although I don't think he made 13. He came home very grumpy. He's not impressed with all the before-Christmas shoppers who tend to be pushy and nasty. Guess he ran into several today. He also had to go in to work for a meeting, which he did not appreciate. 

Jess had a good day with Brenda. Swimming, lunch and Stony Creek for a walk. It didn't tire her out since she's still very much awake. 

I'm Back For The Moment

This computer business drives me crazy! I couldn't get e-mail or internet on my computer but I can get it on my iPhone and iPad. A friend of ours came, walked in the door, and it worked. He didn't have to do anything. When he left, it quit working again. Now the internet is working but not e-mail. I even purchased a newer Microsoft bundle but it still won't work!

Anyway, Saturday was a "free" day for me as Jon worked and Rachel came to spend the day with Jess. I spent 5 1/2 hours out and stopped at 13 places. When I got home, I could barely walk - BUT, I did it! Woo Hoo!

Sunday it was just Jess and me, as Jon worked again. Chris came over in the late afternoon and we prepared envelopes for Lois' December prayer letter.

Today Debbie returned from her vacation in California with her family. Jess did 5 puzzles and some other odds and ends. Around 1:00 p.m. they went with to several places. I had to get dog food, gas, some sausage for Thursday morning, mail some items for Lois and pick up ours, and of course eat lunch at Wendy's.

So, there you have it. Three days condensed into 3 small paragraphs. Jessie didn't do anything cute or funny that I could tell you about. At least I can't remember anything!