A Great Day For Jessie

Jessie's swimming day and Subway lunch day finally arrived. And, according to Brenda, she had one of the best days she's had in many months. Let's just pray that it continues. Jon worked and had an OK day. I had a very-bad-back day but accomplished a lot of this and that with the help of medication. I worked through the medication and didn't sleep. I'm pretty tired right now though. Plus, I had a rough night. I didn't sleep well, which is really unusual. So, off to bed early.

I guess I should mention that it snowed 4" last night and it took Jon twice as long to get to work as usual. The snow will probably be gone by tomorrow, as the forecast is for 54 degrees tomorrow and 69 on Thursday. BUT, Sunday the forecast is for 41 degrees and snow. Not nice Easter weather.

Another Shopping Day

Lois and I spent the day together again. Shopped til we both almost dropped. I think we got about everything she needed to purchase except for a couple of items. It was nice spending the day together.

Debbie said Jessie was just ok. Crabby at times. Jon was home all day. The playhouse demolition began and will be completed on Wednesday since it's supposed to snow a couple of inches tonight and be cold again.

Our "book club" met and there were 7 of us. This has been one of the nicest events that I have attended/facilitated. I'm going to miss our weekly get togethers when we finish the book. If you want a good book to read that will change your life, read Angels of Humility by Jackie Macgirvin.

Sunday

Despite the cold temperatures, the high winds and the snow squalls, it's been a good day. Jon went to first service and I went to second. The kids and I went to lunch with Lois, Ortha, Paul and Julie. About a half hour of being home Chris came and spent the rest of the afternoon and early evening. We talked then watched "Rio 2" with Jon. Bill's sister, Ruth, called. It was nice to hear from her. Jessie only screamed at me when I coughed. So, all in all, it's been a good day.

The Most Awful Sound

Early this morning I was in a deep sleep when the most awful sound came from my phone. It was VERY loud and I've never heard it before. It scared me to death, as we tend to say. I grabbed my phone trying to make sense of why it was making this noise and tried to shut it off. I don't know what I pushed but I only got to see that it was an Amber Alert before the screen went black. I know that it was necessary and a great way to notify people, but it just about made my heart stop. Good result, though, the little girl was found.

I did go back to sleep, only to be awakened a little while later with the phone going off again - this time for a weather alert. That noise is obnoxious and loud, too, but I'm used to the weather sound. It seems like lately they want to tell people in the middle of the night that the next afternoon it will snow. Not appreciated. When I did finally get up, I looked outside, said "Forget it!" and went back to bed. The ground was covered with snow!

Jon, Jess and I went to Benny's for breakfast. Our friend and waitress, Heather, was beside herself because quite a few people were so mad at her because she couldn't serve water or pop. Shelby Twp., Washington and Romeo are under a boil water alert. She said that they treated her like it was HER fault. That's pathetic. These people should be ashamed of themselves.

After breakfast we went to the bank, Walgreen's, Target and the Post Office. Came home and rested a bit. Jess played on her iPad and Jon put together another wooden file cabinet for me. Later in the afternoon I attended a 90th birthday party celebration for Lois' mom, Ortha. It was very nice and she had a great time with her family.

Helping Others

I have been following the World Help blog about their humanitarian efforts in Iraq and other countries ravaged by ISIS. My heart aches for those who have experienced such unbelievable horrors and lost everything - family members, homes, occupations, and the right to live peacefully. This is a direct quote from their blog today:

"World Help is committed to meeting the needs of the whole person. 

The physical needs are usually the most urgent, but we cannot afford

to ignore the others. We cannot simply keep people alive without 

giving them anything to live for."

Oh, my. That tugged on my heart. World Help, and many other Christian agencies, give because they love Jesus and want others to know that Jesus loves them, even when life is unbearable. They are trying right now to start a school for children in an area where many have fled, yet have nothing. I pray that they will be successful and give children (and their parents) the hope of a future through education. 

I know this is an unusual blog, but I wanted to share this. It's more important than telling you that I shopped all day with Lois!

Gym Day

Brenda is sick so Debbie filled in and took Jessie to Gym class. Unfortunately, there were 30 people there - way too many for Jessie to handle. She would not participate in the activities. McDonald's was OK, though! Debbie brought Jessie to Benny's where I was having lunch with my friend, Lynn, and I took her home. I finished a photo album and discovered that I had neglected to order pictures from October through December of 2013. So, I can't continue until I get them. Oh, well!

"Bringing Our Hearts To Him"

I had the opportunity to attend a "Come Let Us Return To the Lord" Day Retreat at the Capuchin Retreat Center that is in our area. There were 6 women who attended. It began with continental breakfast (for all those in attendance at the retreat center for various functions) then we met in their lounge from 9:00 - 12:00. The lounge is a huge room with many couches, chairs, footstools, huge windows to look out over the grounds, and a roaring fireplace. Perfect.

We read scripture, prayed, and the speaker encouraged us to get to know God for who He is, not what He has done, or will do for us. At noon we had a delicious lunch of salad, grilled chicken breast with various sauces, wild rice and mixed vegetables. A pumpkin spice roll was for dessert. From 1:00 - 3:00 we had our own Time Alone With God. If it had been nicer weather, their grounds are beautiful, with many swings or benches or walkways to wander. However, it was cold and rainy so some of us had their "hotel" rooms to use to get away by ourselves. I wish I had longer than the 2 hours. We came back into the lounge from 3:00 - 4:45 p.m. It was a very nice, peaceful and reflective day.

When I got home I discovered that Jon had made ham and cheese scones (from scratch) that were delicious. He also went to Vince and Joe's and bought us Chicken Cordon Bleu for dinner. He made dinner so that I wouldn't have to do it. I sure do have a nice son.

A Day At Home

Jon went to breakfast, Menard's then Walmart's. He's begun buying items for his garden expansion. 

Jessie went to Meijer's with Brenda, bowling and Subway for lunch. Jessie seemed to have a good day with Brenda, but after dinner she had a major meltdown. I ended up holding her, praying and playing worship music to calm her down. It took almost an hour. I hope that all this change of medication will be worth it soon. Poor kid goes from being happy to crying in a couple seconds.

I worked on putting 2013 pictures in a photo album. I've NEVER been this far behind. I ALWAYS put them in a book as soon as I get them because Jessie likes to look at them often. Not the last couple of years, though. Shiloh was here for a couple hours while Doreen got a hair cut. She played on the iPad and we watched Frozen together. She's such a neat kid. I enjoy having her here.

Sad News For My Sister

The following is my sister's FB post today ...  "Well, after 30 years of combined EDS/HP service, I've been put on the Work Force Reduction List. Honestly, I don't know how I stayed off that list for this long. I guess my days of staying under the radar have come to an end. I have until April 24th to find a new position within HP or I'll be saying goodbye to a long career. In the mean time, I'll also be looking for employment outside HP." 

Diane is such a hard worker and has been an asset to EDS/HP for 3 decades. It's too bad that all this company downsizing mostly effects those that have put in long, hard years for a company. Well, at least she can't be given 10 minutes to clean out her desk and be escorted out the door, since she works at home! Now there's something to be thankful for!

Jessie had an appointment with the NP at the psychiatrist's office this morning. She changed her medication that she put her on for ADHD because it just made her life, and ours, miserable for the past month. We begin a new one at bedtime. We had lunch at Alex's in Rochester and Jessie had half her meal for lunch and half for dinner and I brought pancakes home for Jon for dinner. He was VERY happy to have those. I had pecan pancakes for lunch. The best!

Another Sunday Phone Call

I received another phone call from the past today. One of my former bosses, Bob K., called to say "Hi".  (The man on the left.) While he was in church today there was a special service for people with Down Syndrome and it reminded him of Jessie and me.

It was such a nice conversation and I told him I really appreciated him remembering and calling. He said that he doesn't know why "we" don't keep up with the people we care for so he decided to call me while driving home from church. (I think God's trying to tell me that phone calls are important to everyone, and we should make the effort to call those we love and care about often.

I was blessed in my 30-year secretarial career with the Utica Schools. I had great bosses. Bob, on the left, was the Principal at Havel Elementary School and we worked together for 8 years. At that time, Tom, the man on the right, was the Research Center teacher. However, when I moved to Morgan Elementary School, and my boss, Kathy, retired, Tom became the principal. We worked together for several years before I retired in 2000. The picture above is from my retirement party in June of 2000.
Fifteen years this June. Unbelievable! I retired when I was 47 years old. Not many people can do that. Yet another blessing.

Jessie's Day

Jessie was up and ready to go at 6:30 a.m. I promptly made her go back to bed. Since I went back to sleep, I don't know when she got up. It could have been 5 minutes later. She watched Pinocchio, played on her iPad and played with beads. After breakfast we went to the post office, the bank, Walgreen's, Salvation Army, Office Max and Office Depot then brought McDonald's home for lunch. I did paperwork the rest of the day.

Prayers would be appreciated for my back. It has been very painful lately. I keep pushing myself to get things done, but a pain-free day here and there would be great. Thanks!

Another Normal Day

Debbie and Jessie went to breakfast. Jon and Nancy joined them. Debbie and Jessie went to Meijer's. Nancy and Jon went to Office Max. Nancy continued organizing the downstairs desk. Nancy took a strong pain pill for her burning back. Jessie erupted in a screaming session this afternoon. A half hour time out for her that didn't do much. Jon put together a new computer chair for Nancy. Jon took everything out of the playhouse. That's it. I'm even bored reading this.

Boo Hoo ... No Brenda Today

Brenda was unable to come today so Jess was stuck with me. I did wash and began organizing my computer hutch and Jon put together a wooden file cabinet that I've added to my "downstairs office". Not everyone has an upstairs AND a downstairs office. It would be nice to have a separate room for an office for all that we have, but you can't have everything.

Jessie occupied herself most of the day until the late afternoon when she began yelling at me for no reason. I let it go for awhile, but then I gave her time out for about a half hour. She finally calmed down and we went and got our hair cut at Veronica's. Jon met us at Wendy's for dinner.

My blog is boring. I need to take more pictures and post them. I'll see what I can do.

Shoppin' With Mom

Debbie took Jessie to her Art class this morning and I stayed at home. The furnace part that went bad was fixed and we now have a quiet furnace again. I met Debbie and Jessie at the Doctor's office because the lumps under Jessie's arm pits are huge again. She got a shot in the butt and an antibiotic. She's doing so good with the shots. The screaming isn't as loud as before!

Debbie left to pick up her niece from school and Jess and I went to Sam's Club. We had pizza and pop for lunch and walked the entire store. Despite several wild kids, Jessie did well. She was anxious to go home, though.

Sue came to watch Jess while I went to Stephen Ministry tonight. Jon worked and had a wild day. That's about it except that it's so cold outside. We had one semi warm day and now we're back in the 30's.

Finally ... A Good Boiled Dinner

Debbie and I went to FCS to look around this morning, then we met Diane and Randie at Brandon's for a corned beef and cabbage dinner for Randie and me. Diane and Debbie ate something else. It was really good. Almost as good as when my Mom made it so many years ago. I'd make it but Id' have to eat the entire dinner myself as Jon doesn't like corned beef. Not sure about Jessie.

Nothing else is noteworthy about today. Jon worked and his day was OK. Jess wasn't so good for Brenda and even had time out. Right now she's sitting on the couch studying her toes and fingers!

Book Club

Jon had a doctor's appointment and I went with him in the early afternoon. Jessie and Debbie did alot of school work. Jess LOVES word find books and coloring. She had a pretty good day.

Our "book club" met again this evening. It has been a great time of sharing God's word and discussing the book "Angels of Humility".  I've never done anything like this before, but it definitely has been more meaningful than some Bible Studies I've attended.

"Just You, Me and Jon"

That's what I told Jessie last night when she wanted it to be a Brenda swim day in the morning. No. It's Sunday - "just you, me and Jon."  Jon went to first service and I went to second. Awesome and powerful sermon. I'm glad I was there.

After church the 3 of us went out to lunch at Times Square. It's a bit of a drive but not as crowed as places around home. Jessie did pretty good. We stopped at the Dollar Store and Jessie got more school books. Since she's been on the ADHD medication, she's been doing more book work. Other than that, there hasn't been too much of a good change.

Jon and I watched a taped "Scorpion" episode earlier this evening before he went upstairs to watch "The Walking Dead". I've done payroll, sent off an e-mail to Lois, looked at the news and now blogged. It's time to go upstairs. Jessie's quiet now, but she sure won't be when I tell her it's time to go upstairs. She RARELY wants to go to bed. Actually, I'm being paid back because that's just the way I was growing up. I fought going to bed. I'm positive I never screamed, though.

A Full Day

Rachel was here with Jessie and they planned to go to the Shadbush Nature Center. However, when they got there the place was packed with kids and Jessie had a stricken look on her face so they left. It was Maple Syrup Day, I guess, according to Rachel. They went to the Used Bookstore instead and bought a couple of books to read.

Stephen Minister Ladies met at Benny's for lunch. There were 7 of us that came and we had a nice 2-hour lunch and time of sharing. Afterwards, Jon and I went to a couple stores looking for a printer stand. (They are hard to find!) I finally found a wooden 2-drawer file cabinet that I'm going to use. I need more room at the computer for all the stuff I have to keep track of. Unfortunately, it needs to be put together!

After dinner I went to a friend's house for a Party Lite party. It's been YEARS since I've been to one. It was strange being out at night. Other than SM, I don't usually go out after dinner.

Most Of The Day Was Good

I joined Jessie, Rachel and her mom, Jane, for breakfast. That was unexpected but very nice. Then I had a 10:30 appointment with Debbie to get pedicures. That was very, very nice. Next I got the van washed and I'm sure it said, "Very, very, very nice"! I spent almost 2 1/2 hours at Walmart walking around. That about did me in. I couldn't wait to get home and sit down.

Chris called and invited Jess and I out to dinner so we met at Younger's again. Unfortunately, tonight was a horrible night for Jessie. First she hollered and screamed because the booth was about 6" off the floor. Then she kept clearing her voice, coughing and hollering. All. Through. Dinner. Bad.

Got her in the van and decided that we would stop at Salvation Army to look for a printer stand. Total melt down. Should never have stopped, but I didn't want to have to go back out another day when we were driving right by. We've been home for a couple hours and things haven't changed. I can't wait until she goes to sleep. However, the way I look at it, she just recharging!

Finally ... TAWG !!!

About a month ago I felt that God wanted me to stop going to Thursday's Bible Study for awhile and concentrate on Him ... Time Alone With God. Every Thursday - up until today - was a failure. Something major happened each day that caused me to not have my special time. I had come to the conclusion that I needed to leave home to have this date with God.

Today was different. I finally had concentrated time to pray, worship, sing and study God's word for most of the day while Jessie was out of the house and Jon worked. I also watched last Sunday's sermon from the Grow Conference that I missed, entitled "The Four Chairs". I had an awesome day.

Another Job - Done

I had my income tax done this afternoon. We've gone to the same person for many, many years, but she suddenly retired and sold her business, due to health issues. We went to this new place since they have our previous records. 

The one-hour appointment, however, turned into a 2 1/2 hour appointment. There was a stack of papers when they were finished for me to bring home. I haven't looked them over yet, but at least I'm getting a refund. The CPA who did the initial paper work said he hadn't seen "cases" like mine before. Go figure. Having a special needs adult, being a widow, etc., etc, etc. I'm glad they know their stuff. The owner then came in and redid the form (he's an EA). He's even going to amend last year's income tax. Now I can have the other half of my bedroom painted and new carpet! (I ran out of "extra" money last year and my bedroom is one-half pink and one-half green. I am getting used to it, though!)

Undecorating and a Day Out

I wanted to post this picture last night but for some reason my e-mail wouldn't work so I couldn't retrieve it and post it. Kylee came and spent the day with me yesterday. She helped me take apart and put away the Winter Village and snowmen. That is a huge task because all the boxes are in one of my bedroom closets and it is packed. Almost everything has to come out in order to put stuff away! She also helped me redecorate for Easter. Even with her help I was in alot of pain with my back. BUT, it's done and I'm so thankful for her help. We had a fun time, too. As you can see from the picture we used my stair chair alot. Thanks again, Kylee!

I took Kylee, Debbie and Jessie out to lunch. We went to Chili's per Jessie's request. We stopped at Little Caeser's for a pizza for dinner because I was hosting "Book Club" at 6:30 p.m. and I was definitely NOT going to cook.

I had no one to "take care of Jessie" while the women were here, but she did very well.  Until about 45 minutes before they left. She got pretty loud.

Today Jon took me out to breakfast then took me to church for a SM Leader's Meeting at 11:30. When it was finished we went out for a late lunch. I didn't get home until after 3:00!

GOOD NEWS ... I received an e-mail from my personal Beaumont site with the Stress Test results. All is OK. Nothing appeared during the test that would indicate anything that needed to be looked in to.  Thanks SO MUCH for your prayers.

Also, we've seen a little bit of a change with Jessie. Right now she's working on her school books. She's very quiet which isn't "normal". She's enjoying herself and she's not even on her iPad.

An Interesting Phone Call

Jess and I were home all day. I haven't been feeling so great. I woke with a very sore right neck. Not sure how or why that happened. I finished gathering income tax items for my appointment this week. Jessie has been doing word searches, playing Apples 2 Apples and watching YouTube.

I received a phone call in the late afternoon from my mother's cousin, George.  He's 93 years old. Several years ago, prior to my mom's death, we went to his house for a large gathering. His first wife of 40 years (then they divorced) had passed away and I think it was a memorial service for her.

Anyway, he called to let me know that his wife of 28 years had passed away in December. She was 30 years younger than him. He never thought he'd outlive her. She was 63. He said that at first everyone was calling him but now no one called. So, he gets out his address book and calls everyone in it, just to talk, especially on Sundays which are the hardest. George even called an old friend he hadn't talked to in 50 years!

I told him it was interesting that he should call me today - the 3rd anniversary of Bill's death. He was shocked when I told him Bill had passed away. He remembered sitting next to Bill at Mom's funeral. For someone 93 years old, his mind is sharp. Sharper than mine. He was so pleased that he called me today. He said that it was God's will.

A Computer Day

Jess and I went to the post office, bank and Leo's Coney Island for lunch. Brenda joined us after she attended a special event at our church. Jess did very well, considering there were a couple extremely loud children really close.

The rest of the day I've spent working on the computer doing various things that needed doing. My eyes burn and I'm tired. Not finished, though, but have a really good start. I need to finish working on my Income Taxes since I have an appointment next week.

A funny: I told Jessie that it was time to feed Memphis. She didn't answer. I told her again.  She lifted her hand and said, "Your turn!" 

Thank You For Your Prayers

I was nervous this morning when I left for the stress test, but I told God I was counting on all the prayers from my family and friends. I told the technicians that I had a bad back and hip and they were kind and made sure I was OK during the tread mill test. The hardest part was walking up hill - fast - reaching the end of the test and immediately laying down on my back and not breathe! Seriously. My test must have been good enough because they didn't sent me across the street to the ER. That's always good news. I'll know the results next week sometime. I'm sure my doctor will call.

Jon and I went to Alex's in Rochester for breakfast, then stopped at Barnes and Noble. However, after that I needed to come home. The constant pounding my back received while on the tread mill made my back very uncomfortable. When we came home I went upstairs and took a 3-hour nap! I was pretty rough for awhile after but I'm good now. Still tired. I'm sure I won't have any problem sleeping tonight either. Naps never make a difference in my night time sleeping.

Friendship

My friend, Rox, and I went to Benny's for breakfast then spent the next several hours just talking. We haven't seen one another for several months, so it was catch-up time.

I know I have said this before, but I have been blessed with many friends. Included in this group of friends are 2 people I have never met ... Becky and Anonymous. They are my blog friends. For quite some time they have been sending me notes of encouragement and greetings. Thank you, both! It means a great deal to me.

Being a good friend, and having a

good friend, can enrich your days and

bring you lifelong satisfaction.

But friendships don't just happen.

They have to be created and nurtured.

Like any other skill, building friendship 

has to be practiced.

Sue Browder

May I always continue to nurture my friends and be to them what they are to me - worth more than gold.

Wordless

I've been sitting at the computer for about 15 minutes trying to figure out what to blog. Nothing has come to me, so I'll just not say anything except that it was an OK day.

Lots of Paperwork Done

Even though the weather was doubtful this morning, Brenda took Jessie to the Rec Center to go swimming. By the time they were done, though, there was no doubt they needed to come home - it was freezing rain. They brought their Subway lunch home and we ate together. Brenda left early and Jessie declared: "Just you and me!"

I spent the entire day at the computer trying to catch up on paperwork, etc. I did good. I also had the furnace repair man out again because of another strange noise. It seems that there is another part that has gone bad. Amazing. It's only 2 1/2 years old!

Last week I mentioned that I was depressed and not feeling up to par. Thank you for praying for me. These past several days have been good. Almost back to "my old self", what ever that is. Thanks, too, to Sherry and Becky for your nice comments on last night's blog. They are appreciated.

Prayers Needed

We finally had our appointment with the Nurse Practioner today and received some new medication for Jessie. She will start medication for ADHD tomorrow. Please pray that her body will tolerate this prescription, as she is sensitive to meds, and that we will be seeing positive changes. Thanks.

Also, I had a yearly physical today and the EKG that I had was abnormal. I will be having a stress test on Friday morning. I would appreciate prayer. I'm more concerned with the test than I am with the results. I'm not exactly the most fit person to take a tred mill test since I have difficulty walking most days.

It wouldn't be surprising if I did have a heart issue, as "bad hearts" run in my father's family. My dad died when he was 50 and my brother, although he died from cancer, had his first heart attack when he was in his 40's (same as my dad). My mother's father also died when he was 50 of a heart attack. Since my mom lived to be 88 and her heart was good, I'm counting on having heart health from her. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated, though.

Sunday

Jon went to first service, I went to second. After church I picked up the kids and we met Brenda and her family for lunch in Romeo. Jessie was out of sorts when we got home and it took several hours for her to calm down. Chris came and we worked for 4 hours and finally finished the prayer letter. I am so grateful for Julie and Chris' help. If not for them, I'd still be working on them all week. Thanks, girls!