A Full Day

The kids and I began our day with getting dog food. We're expecting a big snow storm beginning over night and I'm sure Memphis would appreciate having food if we were snowed in. Groceries were purchased yesterday and I forgot eggs, but we'll just have to make do. I heard that the stores around here were ridiculously crowded.

We had breakfast north of Romeo at the Times Square, then went to UPS and mailed a couple boxes to Lois. We got the mail and when we got home Diane and Randie were there. Diane ordered me a new printer because mine was acting up and she brought it and set it up for me. Before they left Julie came. We were going to go to the movies but the movie we wanted to see was no longer around. After Diane and Randie left we watched "The Hundred Foot Journey", with Helen Mirren. We both enjoyed it. When Julie left I made dinner and tried for 2 hours to keep Jessie downstairs and not go to bed. She had asked to go to bed at 6:30 pm. but I wouldn't even let her go upstairs. I do not want an active child at 4:00 a.m. She's going to be upset in the morning anyway since she keeps saying, "snow all done. Outside." I'm sure we'll hear her when she sees the snow.

And The Doctor Said ...

"You have the back of a hundred-year-old!" I knew my back was bad, but not THAT bad. He said the MRI was awful. There are many things going on in my back that lead to a lot of pain. (Really? I already figured that out.)  I refused PT because it doesn't help, and I am not ready for back surgery. Most likely never. It is something that I will be dealing with for the rest of my life: degenerative disc disorder, herniated discs, spinal stenosis and arthritis throughout my spine. If my back were to get really bad like it was in 2010, I could have shots in my back again. I'm not there yet.

Jessie and Debbie had breakfast out then went to Meijer's grocery shopping. After my doctor's appointment I went to Walmart then met a friend for lunch. Two hours later I went to the bank and was there for a half-hour trying to get a credit card problem straightened out. I was tired when I got home. I still am. My days go so fast. It's almost time to wrap things up for another day.

A "Just You And Me" Day

Brenda was unable to come today because of icy road conditions, so it was a day with just Jessie and me. When we're alone, she doesn't want to do anything with me, except unload the dishwasher or help me with some other job. She won't let me read to her, play games, watch a DVD - nothing. So, I placed several phone calls, updated my check book, took a small nap because I wasn't feeling good and did a load of wash. She occupied herself with ABC tiles, Apples to Apples cards, a magazine, Perler Beads and her iPad. I took this picture the other day. She's so goofie sometimes. She said that she looks like Alfalfa (Little Rascals) because of the hair that is sticking up. I think she looks like a Nun with Alfalfa hair! 

Jessie's 2nd Art Class and Another Meeting For Me

Jessie went to her second art class today and did very well. She didn't even have a problem with the pile of glue. This is huge. Next week, however, they are going to paint their project. We'll see what she does with the paint. She should be OK unless they finger paint.

Jessie's Case Worker from the DHS came this afternoon for our meeting. Things went well and we're good for another 6 months. I am very glad that I do NOT have to go to the Offices of Jessie's numerous Case Workers. If we have to meet, let them come here.

I did some paperwork, packed another box for Lois and made a few phone calls. Right now my back hurts so I'm going to sit on the couch and relax before it's time to go upstairs.

A Two Thumbs Up Dinner

Tonight I made something for dinner I have NEVER made before. Nachos. Seriously. Someone gave us a bag of nacho chips and I put them on a cookie sheet. I fried up 4 hamburgers I had in the freezer and added a can of Manwich and a can of Northern Beans. I put that mixture on top of the chips then topped it with taco cheese and cut up tomatoes. We had sour cream to go with it. I told Jess we were having "hot chips" for dinner but I could tell from the look on her face it wasn't what she was expecting. However, she took one bite and gave me 2 thumbs up and asked for seconds. Way to go, me!

Jessie and I had an endocrinologist appointment in the afternoon. All her blood work came back wonderful! I am so pleased. Now we just have to work a little harder on the weight. 

Hot Chips

I prepared a box to send to Lois this morning then in the early afternoon Debbie, Jessie and I went to the post office, bank, and Walgreen's. Jessie kept saying she wanted hot chips for lunch and it took me about 15 minutes to realize she wanted to go to Chili's and have their "hot chips" and guacamole. She was so excited that I finally figured out what she wanted that we did go there. We split the chicken strip dinner. We shopped at Target for more stuff for Lois then I got gas in the van. Since we ate so late in the afternoon and ate so much, we waited until Jon got home and then we had a lean pocket for dinner. That's about it for today!

A Lonely Sunday

Each day I'm usually working on something. Today I decided I was going to have a no-work day. I watched 2 sermons on the internet from another church. I watched a Hallmark DVD. I fixed our breakfast, lunch and dinner. I played on the iPad and read a little. I spent most of the time in the living room because Jessie wanted to be alone. I can't blame her. She always has some one with her so when she can, I think she likes being alone. I took a picture of her sitting at the coffee table this afternoon. She's having her 4:00 snack, playing with her Perler beads, and watching movies on her iPad. She's holding up a mirror Brenda got her for Christmas and Debbie helped her decorate it. She wants it in her bedroom. I'm glad the day is almost over. Jon just got home and after he eats dinner he'll go upstairs, get cleaned up and go to bed. He works again in the morning. I guess I do have to do a bit of paperwork, since I have an Annual Assessment in the morning. Ugh!

Two Tea Parties

Saturday was a fun day. I attended 2 Tea Parties. The Glory Girls met at The Royal Treat Room to celebrate Shannon and Caroline's birthdays. Shannon wasn't able to go there with the SM Ladies the last time and she really wanted to go. I dropped Jessie off at Diane and Randie's house since it's only about 10 minutes from there. As always, I ate way too many scones. They are my weakness. Scones and boiling hot tea. Guess that's the English in me.

When I went to pick up Jess, they were just finishing a pizza lunch. I stayed for an hour or so and got caught up. Jessie took a nap on the couch petting Callie while we visited. 

Debbie came and took care of Jessie for me while I went to Jane's 60th birthday party. She gave herself a Tea Party to celebrate with family and a few friends. There were alot of little sandwiches and crackers and dip and hot tea. Plus alot of other good stuff. Rachel came home on the train (there's a new train station in Troy) so she could be there for her mom's birthday, too. She's having a better second semester at college. It's always nice seeing you, Rachel!

Another Bad Day For Jessie

Our morning began with breakfast at Benny's with Jessie's case worker, Kelly. I had to go over some papers and sign them before we meet officially in a month or so for her PCP. Jessie was very loud and uncooperative the entire time. Debbie took her to Meijer's for some groceries and I guess that did NOT go well at all. She was so "bad' when she got home I gave her time out for about a half hour on the couch.

I took Jessie's picture the other day folding towels. Most of the time when I ask her to do them she refuses. A day or two might go by and they are still there. It is REALLY hard for me to not fold them myself. Eventually, I'll find her folding the towels. She does a great job and I always praise her for her good work. I just wish she'd do it when asked the first time.

Gym Day

Brenda took Jessie grocery shopping then to Gym Class. She said there were about 30 adults there and it was loud, but Jess did pretty good. She seemed to have a good time. When Brenda left though, she began with watching temper tantrums on the iPad. I took it away and gave her time out on the couch. She continued to be loud and coughing and making choking sounds (a habit). Later the 3 of us went to Benny's for dinner. Let me just say that their food is sooooo good. Jon had lamb chops and they were the best we've ever eaten. Of course, they were the ONLY ones we've ever eaten. 

I got called today that it's time for Jessie's Annual Assessment. We are scheduled for next Monday. More paperwork to get ready for yet another meeting. Speaking of meetings, I have one in the morning with her Case Worker. Are you beginning to see why I hate paperwork?

Art Class For Jessie And Mandatory DHS Class For Me

I enrolled Jessie in a Special Needs Art Class at the Rec Center and today was the first day. I told her last night she was going to an Art Class and she got very upset until I changed the title to "Craft" Class. That made a difference, as she loves doing crafts.

I've been very skeptical of letting her do an art class because she is tactile sensitive, which means throw up time. I wondered if she might have outgrown some of these sensations, so we're giving it a try.

Debbie took Jessie's apron and an extra change of clothes but she didn't need them. Debbie said that she was smacking her lips (next would be gagging then vomiting) but never even gagged. Amazing since there was a plate with about an entire cup of glue that she had to dip items in to paste them to her project board. Shaving cream, whipping cream, paint, glue - these are all triggers for her. Especially if it gets on her hands. Next week she finishes her project. One class down - 5 to go.

I had to attend a mandatory class at the DHS (Department of Human Services) for Home Help. Beginning soon, all Medicaid recipients MUST be on-line and nothing will be done by paperwork. I have to do daily recording of what I do for Jessie. Remember my aversion to paperwork? Now it will have to be done on the computer.

The letter I received said that it would be first-come, first-served basis and that the time was 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Naturally I assumed it was a 3-hour class, as did most of the people attending. I was done in 10 minutes. Want to know what I did? I got in to my e-mail, went to the State of Michigan Web Site for Home Help and made a user name and password. DONE. That was it. They made it mandatory for people to come and sit at a computer and create these 2 items that could have easily been done at home. Absolutely ridiculous. We even had to be escorted out of the building by a guard. Good job, State of Michigan !!!

A Challenging Day For Jessie

Jessie does not do well when her normal schedule is disrupted. Tuesday's are swimming days with Brenda, snack, Gym time then lunch at Subway. If there's time and the weather is good, they go for a walk. I changed Jessie's day all around. It was difficult. Jessie needed fasting blood work so I spent most of the day with them. When the tech came for her she said, "Jessica", and that was the beginning. "NO!  JESSIE", she hollered. Then the whining and complaining and hollering continues while the techs (need 2) take her blood. Thankfully, the techs are good and get it the first try.

Next we went to breakfast. As we sat down I heard a child making loud noises on the other side of the restaurant and when I went to the bathroom I discovered that there was an entire class of special needs children eating. Jessie was close to a melt down because of the loud student. 

Next was the pool. I took my things and I walked the lazy river for 40 minutes while Brenda and Jessie did their thing. I sat in the hot tub for 15 minutes while they got a head start on getting dressed. Unfortunately, there was a screaming boy outside her cabana that set her off. I went to sit down and read a book in the lobby area while Brenda and Jessie went to the Gym. Well, that didn't go well. I could hear her screaming "NO" "NO" in the hallway. She refused to play in the gym or do anything else. She wanted to go home. She was screaming and refusing to listen to anything Brenda had to say. We left.

All the way to Walgreen's she kept hollering and asking for her iPad. I told her she couldn't have it, even when Brenda left. That didn't go over well either, but I'd had it. I stopped for the mail and Brenda and Jessie got out to get it for us. Brenda got out her side expecting Jessie to get out and go behind the van. Jessie got out her door and I pointed out to her that there was a small dog in the car next to us. Instead of going behind the van, she jumped in front of the window to see the dog, scaring about 5 years off a woman's life. I should have kept my mouth shut about the dog.

When we got home I went upstairs. Jessie does SO much better with one-on-one than adding an extra person to her day. Even though she was glad I was with her at the pool, the entire day threw her off. Brenda felt bad that Jessie was so wound up and that I would "pay for it when she left". I assured her that it was OK. This is just part of our life with Jessie. I tend to blog about the good days with Jess, or the funny ones. I love Jessie very much. Somethings, it's just plain hard, though. Today was one of those days.

Too Tired

I was out most of the day with Jon. Debbie was here for Jessie and they had a good day. Right now I can't keep my eyes open, so that's it for tonight.

Thanks, Ashley!

Today after church the kids and I met several people at the Chinese restaurant we always go to. There were 11 of us. Chris and her boys and Ashley. Her mom and then 3 young friends of theirs. I wasn't sure if Jessie would cooperate at a table with that many people, but she did really well. She is used to going to that restaurant and we ate on the "bar" side and no one else was in there. She is also used to having half her food taken away and she gets it for dinner, which she eats in the family room on a tray table. Talk about structure. I was able to enjoy my meal because Jessie was so good.

Chris came back after a quick trip to the grocery store and we watched a Christmas movie. Jess occupied herself on her iPad, played Apples to Apples and wrote in magazines. Jon spent most of the afternoon upstairs. I need to go upstairs and finish the checks I began last night so they can go in the mail tomorrow, even if its a holiday.

Another Girls Day Out

Jessie was so quiet and stayed in her room this morning watching her videos that I left her alone and we didn't come downstairs until 11:00 !!! She was enjoying herself so I just let her be. We went to the Post Office, Dimitri's for French toast, post office, Home Depot, Meijer's for gas then groceries. By the time we got home around 3:00 I was exhausted. I sat on the couch and we had a snack of hummus and pita chips (we don't eat lunch when we go out to breakfast.)

You'd think Jessie would have been tired today since she didn't settle down until after midnight last night. I wasn't tired either and didn't go to sleep until after 1:00 a.m.  Jon said that he didn't get to sleep until after 1:00 either. Wonder what was up with that?

I am so frustrated. I wonder why I can not get caught up with paperwork. Tonight I'm writing checks for bills that need to be paid. I have to get Income Tax stuff prepared. I'm behind in Jessie's book again. It just seems like it never ends. Does anyone else have this problem? I'm a very organized person yet I can't seem to get a handle on keeping up. I need a secretary.

Another Girls Day Out

Debbie, Jessie and I were gone for several hours today. We stopped at a couple friend's homes to drop off items then went to Tim Horton's for a bagel breakfast. From there we shopped at Walmart for a bunch of stuff for Lois then stopped at the post office before coming home. Debbie had to leave early so after she left Jess and I went to Walgreen's and McDonald's for a late lunch. By the time we got home I was not about to go to Meijer's. I sat down for a couple hours and used my iPad then finished a book. Jess and I will have to go to Meijer's in the morning. I hate Saturday shopping, but we do need groceries. Jessie is still going strong watching Barney episodes on Utube. I really thought we'd be over Barney by now, but she still likes him. It could be worse. Much worse. Like Nanny 911 or Jon and Kate Plus 8, or just plain Kate Plus 8. I'll take Barney any day over those other programs.

Back To Bible Study

It felt good to get back to Bible Study this morning. Andrea picked me up and after wards several of us went to Panera Bread for lunch. I didn't get home until almost 2:00 p.m. and I left before 9:00. Brenda took Jessie to Great Lakes Crossing for the day and Jessie had a good time. I had thought that the new aquarium was open since I read it on FB. Not. Oh, well. Guess you can't believe everything FB says. It will open at the end of this month. Tickets are $17.95 for everyone. A year pass will ONLY be $50.00. This place better be worth it.

Girls Day Out

Jess had an appointment with her dentist, Dr. Mac at 10:30 a.m. He is such a special dentist. Because of her phobia for sitting on something that moves, she sits in a small chair, leans up against the wall and he proceeds to clean her teeth. He once told me that "she's got me trained."

Nine months ago he told me that we should call him in August and he'd schedule an appointment at Children's Hospital to do a deep clean of her teeth because of the tartar on it. I didn't do it because I had shoulder surgery. I figured he'd want to schedule it now.

Guess what? She doesn't need it! He said her teeth look good, they are hard and he sees no reason to go through with it. What have we done differently?  I've tried to get her to brush 2x a day instead of 1, and we've changed to OnGuard Toothpaste by doTERRA. Another reason to try essential oils. This has saved Jessie a very traumatic visit to the hospital. Thank you, Jesus!

We had our usual Dentist Day Breakfast at The Country Inn. From there we shopped at Office Depot for Lois, FCS for me, Wendy's for a frosty, Michael's for canvas boards for me for a project, then the post office. I know the 3 of us (Debbie was with us) were ready to sit down. While we were in Office Depot Jessie decided she wanted sun glasses. She headed to the counter with them on her face and the tag hanging down on her nose. She is just way too fast !!!

Technology

I mentioned several weeks ago that I was enjoying the TV program "Scorpion". Tonight we sat down to watch another episode, entitled "Talisman". Unfortunately, right in the middle of the tape was a very long "we interrupt your local channel for ..." That meant that 10 minutes of the end was not taped. The taped part ended at a very suspenseful part, I looked at Jon and said: "Do something! We can't just stop here!" 

Remember years ago before there were recorders and if this happened, you were just out of luck until reruns? Thanks to technology, Jon went to the computer, brought up that specific episode and we finished it on the computer. Thank you, Jon!!!!! 

Jessie had a great day with Brenda.  They went to the pool then Subway for lunch. When I got home from a late afternoon meeting at church they were on the couch looking for hidden objects in a picture book.

Jon's Jeep

I called the tow truck this morning and she said they would be there in 1 to 2 hours. Ten minutes later they arrived! The truck driver checked under the hood and discovered that one of the battery cables were loose. He jumped the battery, we left it running for almost an hour and it has worked since. I am so glad that there wasn't anything major with it. I'm thankful that the driver felt he could save us some money by seeing if it was the cable.

Debbie took Jessie and I to the post office, bank, Walgreen's and Benny's for lunch. It was nice to get out for a couple hours. Jessie wanted to go play in the back yard. Instead I handed her a shovel and told her to shovel the driveway. She seemed happy to do it and spent about a good 20-30 minutes shoveling. It satisfied her longing to be in the snow.

A Very Quiet Day

Today has not been a good physical day for me. I've been in quite a bit of back pain. I took what pain medication I could take with being home with Jessie, rubbed in my back with Deep Blue and put hot rice packs on my back. I watched a sermon on Utube, listened to praise music, did a bit of paperwork and watched an episode of "When Calls the Heart". Jessie emptied the dishwasher and she emptied the dryer of yesterday's white clothes so I could put Jon's scrubs in. She even helped make lunch. She only yelled at me a couple times. Not much. Like I said, it was pretty quiet today.

Unfortunately, when I'm in pain, I become a bit melancholy. I think of my mom and what she went through with her back pain. She was in constant pain for years, yet kept going. She is my inspiration. Chronic pain. It's hard to deal with. The unseen illness.

What A Way To Start The Day

Jess and I had our afternoon planned ... bank, post office, Walgreen's, Michael's, McDonald's and Meijer's. However, Jon's jeep wouldn't start this morning, so he had to take the van to work. Thus, Jess and I were stuck at home. Which I really didn't mind. It was too cold to go out anyway. And, my back was really bad so being out and walking in boots would have been detrimental. I made Jess a special lunch: chicken and rice and she was happy.

Jessie did her usual and so did I ... washed many loads of clothes, swept floors, vacuumed, made breakfast, lunch, dinner, straightened up and did paperwork. That's about it.

Jessie Loves To Sing

For the past couple of hours Jessie has been watching 19 Kids And Counting on Utube. Now she's listening and singing to Jesus songs! She's singing at the top of her lungs, like she does outside in the summer in her hammock. Loud singing is alot better than yelling at me. I do like to hear her sing, even though she can't carry a tune and she can't sing the entire song, but she knows them.

Jon and I went to The Pantry for breakfast then he helped me grocery shop. My back wasn't so good today and by the time we were almost finished, my legs were weak from the back pain. I am so thankful he went along and did all the heavy lifting and bagging and carrying groceries in the house. I enjoyed his company, too!

Watching TV

Jon and I watched another 2 taped episodes of Scorpion this evening and Jessie joined us. It was the quietest she's ever been watching a movie. I'm not sure why but it was nice. Well, come to think of it, she may have been quiet because when I looked at her she wasn't moving - she was probably asleep. That would make more sense than her just being awake AND quiet during a movie.

Doreen came over for a couple hours this afternoon and we visited. It was a nice break from paperwork. Jon had the day off and just took it easy. We both have been tired these past couple of days.

This Blog Is "R" Rated For Language - You've Been Warned.

Tuesday ... Jessie had a good day. Despite the cold, Brenda took her to the Rec Center and they spent a couple hours in the pool. Subway for lunch then home. After Brenda left, Jessie got her iPad and started watching Utube. I was on the computer. We're in the same room. Soon I realized she was watching Super Nanny 911, which I don't let her watch because the children are really horrible, and she tends to mimic bad behavior. So, I took it away and put Arthur the Aardvark on for her. I went back to the computer. All of a sudden I'm hearing the "F" word NUMEROUS times and Jessie laughing. I race over to her, yelling at her for changing the "channel" and discovered she didn't. It was an Arthur episode that someone remade with awful language. I quickly changed it to Arthur's Lost Christmas Episode. Back to the computer only to discover that was the one she was watching. It was titled ... "Arthur's Fucked Up Christmas". Seriously? I changed it to Winnie the Pooh, praying that someone hadn't ruined Pooh Bear with a potty mouth! Just in case you are in Jessie's company sometime and that F word comes out, let this be my proof that she didn't hear it from me. (I HATE that word.)

Wednesday ... Talk about cold! I even wore shoes and socks and a sweat shirt in the house. Third day in a row of paperwork. I at least got my check book up to date and was able to go to the bank and post office. Jessie and Debbie went with me, then Jessie wanted to go inside somewhere and get pizza. The ideas she comes up with sometime are weird. I wanted to go through a drive thru and eat at home, but NO. She wanted to go and eat inside. We ate at Pizza Nostalgia. When she is able to get her desires known to me, I try to do what she'd like, because she basically goes and does what we tell her. Within reason, that is.

I had Stephen Ministry tonight and since we had 3 weeks off, Jon isn't home now on these nights. Debbie covered and even made dinner for Jess since I took a nap - for some reason I was so tired this afternoon. Maybe I'm getting ready to hibernate.

A sub-contractor for Comcast came this afternoon and not only fixed the TV in the living room, he fixed my computer! Finally someone who knew what he was doing. He is part of a group of 18 technicians from Illinois sent to Michigan for 3 months to work for Comcast. He had 4 days off at Christmas and was able to go home. I know living in a motel would not be my idea of fun, and I'm sure they don't put them up at the Hampton Inn, either.

Saturday, Sunday and Monday

Well, as you can see, my computer is still giving me problems. So I'll have to lump 3 days into 1 blog. Jon had off these days and it was nice having him home. We went to church yesterday then went to Chili's for lunch. Chris joined us. She came back and spent the afternoon. We watched Epic in 3D.

Speaking of DVD's. Since just before Christmas to today, I have watched more DVD's or tv shows than I have in the past 3 years. I happened to walk by Jon's room about a month ago while he was watching a tv program, it looked like something I might enjoy, so he taped all the episodes. It's called "Scorpion". I'm really enjoying the episodes and Jessie has even come to the living room to watch it with us. We finally hit on a series that both Jon and I like.

Unfortunately, Jessie has had a couple melt downs in the past two days. They haven't been pretty and we do not know what has set her off. I sure wish I did.

My goal this week is to get caught up on ALL paperwork and close out 2014 and begin 2015 with empty folders. I am determined. I finished Jessie's book work for December today so I'm doing good so far. Counting on tomorrow being just as successful, if not more so.

Happy New Year!

Jessie couldn't wait to get her tree down (it was only up for less than 2 weeks) so she could make "a mess again!" While Jon dismantled the tree and I vacuumed, Jessie was in her video closet getting videos to scatter all over the floor. I couldn't resist taking a picture of her butt and feet. Cute.

Jon worked New Year's Day so he was in bed early on New Year's Eve. Jessie was asleep for the event, too. That just left me to hear the fireworks outside. I thought of my mom, as we would always call one another at midnight and wish each other a "Happy New Year".

Rachel came today for Jessie's breakfast out day then they came home and did a lot of stuff around the house. I went back to Comcast. I was there BEFORE 10:00 when the doors opened and I was #12 in line. Fifty minutes later I walked out with the cable card I needed. I hope I never have to go back there again.

I usually read Sarah Young's "Jesus Calling" daily devotional but this year I'm reading one by Joyce Meyer: "Love Out Loud". It revolves around loving God, loving yourself and loving others. I hope that I can show the Love of Jesus to all that are around me. I hope that I will make a difference in other lives. I hope that someone would come to love Jesus because of my faithfulness to Him. Wouldn't that be the ultimate? Here's to a great 2015. I love you, Jesus!