My Toes Are Cold

I refuse to put socks on, so my toes have been cold for days. My own fault, for sure. Today was rainy and dreary. I even started the day out in shorts but had to change them to long jeans before leaving in the afternoon to get my hair done.

Shiloh spent a couple hours here this afternoon. She played on the iPad and I read her 3 Princess stories. We had a good time together. I enjoy her presence.

Jon went to several greenhouses, coming home empty handed though. Jess went to Meijer's and Gym class with Brenda. She can't seem to shake her cold. She sounds funny and she has a Rudolph nose. She seemed in a better mood earlier today but has been yelling at me the past couple of hours whenever I clear my throat. I never realized I cleared my throat so often.

My Ordinary and Boring Day

I did quite a bit of computer work, washed and folded clothes (still not put away), went to the post office, Walgreen's and Meijer's for a few groceries. After Debbie left I sat on the couch and took a half hour nap before Sue arrived and I got ready to go to Stephen Ministry. Back home by 9:15. Put Jess to bed, checked my e-mail, looked at the news and now typing this.

My days go by so quickly and when I look back over my day I see very little that I have done for the Kingdom of God. But then again, I don't see my life as God sees it. I might have said something to someone that will make a difference in their life. The hugs I gave to friends at SM tonight might have been the only hug they've received in several days. My smile to the door lady at Meijer's might have been the only smile she received today. Asking my postal worker friend how her day has gone and spending a few minutes chatting with her might have brightened up her afternoon. The things I do around the house for my kids are motivated by love. One day I will know the impact of my ordinary, boring days. I hope I hear Jesus say: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!"

An Extra Blog

I wanted to record this so I wouldn't ever forget that Jessie rarely forgets. I guess I was just too tired to process anything last night.

Jon treated Jessie and I to dinner at Chili's last night. While we were eating, one of the lenses from Jessie's glasses fell out. Thankfully, I carry a pocket knife (as a tool!) and I was able to get the lense back in and tightened. After we ate we went to the eye store in Meijer's to have them put a new, longer screw in the frame.

Jessie just about lost it. She kept saying, "Purple."  "Night night."  "Glasses." She was clinging to me and almost crying. I kept telling her that they were just going to put a screw in the frame. Yes, she could have her purple glasses back. I couldn't figure it out until they were almost finished with the frames and it finally dawned on me why she was so upset.

For one, she does not like to go have her eyes examined. She won't let them get near her eyes to have the drops put in so they rarely get a good look deep inside the eye. Then when she is finished we get new glasses. They MUST be purple, but she doesn't want new ones. She wants her "old" ones. When I do pick them up, she refuses to wear them. I try to exchange the old ones for the new ones gradually, but that doesn't always work. Finally, when she goes to sleep one night, the new ones appear in her case and the old ones are gone. THAT is what she remembered and THAT is what she thought was happening last night. She didn't want a new pair of glasses. She wanted her "old" purple ones back!

Heaven help me when we go have our eyes examined and new glasses in a couple of months!

Monday and Tuesday

It's 9:11 p.m. and my eyes are burning from being tired. The past two days have been very full days. I just want to sit down with my feet up, but it's almost time to put Jessie to bed. She had a really great day with Brenda today. However, when I cough or clear my throat, the screaming begins. We start her new medication tomorrow and come off some of the old "new" medicine. Please pray that this will work.

Jon spent several hours in his garden. He mentioned to me that I am to remind him how much work this is, if he should ever want to build another square foot garden. I just laughed because he's already talking about along the back fence and what he plans to do there next year.

The Planting Has Begun

After church and lunch out, Jon went and finished his boxes in the new part of his garden and planted some of his cold weather plants. It's shaping up nicely. I'll post a picture tomorrow. Not much else that is note worthy. At least at this exact moment.

Priscilla Shirer Simulcast

Our church hosted the Priscilla Schier live simulcast today. It went from 9:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and was excellent. She was live in Huntsville, Alabama, with 4,500 women in attendance. There were 49 states, 7 countries and 183 churches that participated today. Her brother, Anthony Evans, provided the worship music. It was the first time I've ever heard him and really enjoyed his singing. They played a video he had done called "Mercy Tree". Look it up on YouTube. It's worth the watch. Priscilla and Anthony are children of Dr. Tony Evans, noted preacher and author. Today's topic was Ephesians 6 and the armor that God gives His children to combat Satan. It was powerful.

Jon watched Jess so I could attend. He said that she was really good for him all day. He took her out to breakfast then they went to the post office before returning home. He worked in the backyard while she stayed inside. He kept looking in the window to make sure she was where he left her! Once playing with her Apple 2 Apple cards, beads or iPad, she doesn't generally move much. Just to go to the bathroom. Jon even had dinner ready when I got home.

When I walked in the house all was quiet and I said, "Hello!" Jon answered me but nothing from Jessie. I repeated the greeting 2 more times before I said, "Anybody need a mom?" "NO" was the answer from Jessie. She then began screaming at me and carrying on. What a welcome!

A Very Full Day

I joined Debbie and Jessie for breakfast, then left to visit a friend. I shopped at FCS and later met Debbie and Jessie at the doctor's to have Jess checked out. She's congested and has a sore sounding voice so I thought I'd have her checked in case she had an ear infection or strep. Thankfully, "just" a sinus infection. I shopped at Kohl's then went to the post office and bank before walking in the door at 4:00. After Debbie left I sat on the couch and took a nap. I was pooped. Since Jess didn't wake me to ask for dinner, we waited until Jon came home from work and we ate together at 8:00 p.m. Now it's time to go up stairs and call it a day.

My Friend Shiloh

One of the most enjoyable times I have is watching Shiloh. I love having a little one around the house. There was Megan, who's now 15. I took care of her for almost 3 years after I retired. Kylee and Lynzee were here for many summers. Kylee is graduating from high school and Z is taking driver's training. Oh, my! There were a couple of other children, too.

I think Shiloh has a good time when she comes. Today she watched several Sofia the First videos on the iPad. It was cold in the house (it's COLD outside! Everyone is back to their winter coats!) so I put her jacket on backwards. The hood was in front of her and when her mom returned she brought her some french fries. I put them in a bowl and put them in the hood of her coat!

She's a sweet girl. I love her laugh and since she thinks I'm crazy, she laughs a lot! Most kids think I'm crazy. I pray that I'm never too old to be crazy with little ones and play with them.

Snow !!!

I woke up to snow falling and it's been falling off and on all day long. It's cold outside, too. I even had to put socks on before going to PT.  Now, if this snowfall was on Christmas Eve, I'd be excited. I'm not excited. It's April 22. That's Michigan for you.

Here's a quote by Lane Olinghouse (who ever she/he may be!):

"The quickest way for a parent to get

a child's attention is to sit down and

look comfortable."

Absolutely!!!

Cancellations

This was a very odd day - everything on my calendar cancelled. We were supposed to have a SM Leader's meeting but it got cancelled yesterday. Kelly was due here at 9:30 for our meeting and she had to reschedule for tomorrow. Diane and Randie were supposed to be here by 10:00 and they cancelled because Diane has a cold. That was so unusual - it gave me an entire day to do what I wanted to do. Well, sort of. 

I went to a greenhouse with Jon, then washed several loads of clothes. Jon helped me make a succulent "fairy" garden and I repotted several spider plants. My face hurt so I sat down for about an hour with a hot rice pack on my eyes, and felt great when I got up. I also put away all the Easter stuff and decorated with bird houses. The kids and I went out to dinner and then Jon and I watched the last two episodes of "Scorpion". 

Jessie and Brenda went to the pool then she had a chicken salad at Subway. They also went to the Library before returning home. Jess has been pretty good lately - except when I cough. Then. Well. Not so good.

Back To Fall

That's what it feels like. It was gloomy, then sunshiny, then rainy, but mostly VERY windy and the temperatures dropped. I really don't want to wear shoes and socks again. Guess my toes will just have to be cold!

Doreen came and visited for a couple hours this morning, then I had an hour of aquatic pt. It does seem to be helping. At least the pain is moving up in to my back, which is where it should be, rather than down the leg.

We had our 9th Book Club tonight and will finish next week. I wish we could keep discussing the book, but we are on the last chapter! Maybe I'll find another book to discuss.

A Most Relaxing Day

Jessie spent the day with her Apples 2 Apples cards and iPad. She's been happy except when I've coughed. Then she starts screaming at me. At yesterday's conference I brought home a plastic necklace with a cross on it and gave it to her. She got herself dressed this morning and she put it on. That's so unusual that I had to take a picture! She doesn't normally wear jewelry.

I've been "fighting" a sinus infection and sore throat now for several days. I've kept on top of it with my essential oils, hot rice packs and elderberry syrup. After breakfast I sat on the couch and listened to our Good Friday and Easter Sunday services with a rice pack on my eyes. When it finished I took a nap. Jessie and I went to Subway for lunch then I needed to pick up medication at Walgreen's. When we got home I headed for the couch again and read some in the book "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn, preparing for tomorrow night's book club. Then I closed my eyes again and took another nap! I'm feeling much better tonight.

I prepared a really nice dinner: baked veggies (potatoes, carrots, asparagus, zucchini, yellow squash, onions and kale) mixed with sausage. It is very time consuming making it, but well worth it.

"For Such A Time As This"

Mary and Brenda came to the house by 7:30 a.m. and I drove to the Sterling Inn for a Women's Conference featuring Jennifer Shaw. Her talk was based on the book of Esther. Although I have studied this book in a Beth Moore study, I still learned quite a bit of new things. She brought fresh pictures to the life of Queen Esther and what took place in history during that time.

There were 500 women, representing 83 churches! It was really nice. It was sponsored by 6 Lutheran area churches. I've been going to their retreats for many years and they do an awesome job. There were also 35 vendors and a delicious meal for lunch. I should have waited a little longer to take the pictures because every chair was filled. I guess everyone was up shopping. We didn't get back home until 4:00 p.m.

Sue came and spent the day with Jessie. They were outside for hours. They picked up the sticks in the front and back yards. Jessie also picked up all the white stone that Jon had around his fire pit. They walked twice around the track at the Twp. Hall and Jessie showed Sue all the animals at the Nature Center at Stony Creek. Sue looked beat when I got home. Not Jessie, though! She's still going strong up stairs! Not me. I'm ready for bed.

More Work On the Garden

Jon went to breakfast, the bank, post office, and Home Depot for black mulch for my flower garden. Then he began working on his garden. He's got a pretty good start. He's really tired, that's for sure.

I'm looking forward to fixing the area where you see the pile of dirt. We're taking out the dirt and grass and putting rubber mulch down. Our swing will go in there and I'd really like a water fountain. That will sound soooo nice when I'm on the back deck reading or eating meals.

Debbie and Jessie seemed to have a good day. Breakfast out then Meijer's for a few things forgotten on yesterday's list. Jessie was in her hammock for a good hour or more singing her Jesus songs. It's such a nice day today. In the lower 70's and sunshiny. The nicest day so far this spring.

Another Busy Day

Jessie and Brenda had a good day. They went to Meijer's, home, gym, McDonald's, then to a park before coming home. Jon and I went to breakfast, Wiegand's, Menard's, Deneweth's, and the post office. I took a little nap then went out to dinner with the "Glory Girls" to PF Chang's. Again, I'm ready to call it a day!

A Busy Day

I had several places I needed to go today and I was successful in each location. I met Debbie, Jessie, Brent, his mom Diane, and aide Meghan, at McDonald's for lunch. Before we were finished, a group of special needs adults came in that were in the same Art Class that Jessie and Brent had been in that morning. They were all excited to see Jessie and Brent. When I got home I realized that my Supervision Group had snacks at SM tonight so back out I went to Meijer's. Sue came and spent time with Jessie while I was at Stephen Ministry since Jon was working. I'm more than ready to call it a night!

My Garage Smells Like A Barnyard

Jon received his order of Mel's Mix. All 35 boxes (70 bags) of it. Well, actually there were only 34. Hopefully, the missing one will come tomorrow. The UPS driver, not our regular deliverer, was pleased to back up to the garage and unload them just a short distance. He said the shipment was the talk of the UPS station today. Our regular driver took the day off. They are now neatly stacked in the garage. However, the garage smells like a barnyard. I think I'll open the back garage door tomorrow and let out some of the smell. I hope.

Jessie had a good day with Brenda at the pool and Subway, along with visiting a local park. However, as soon as she got home she began yelling at me to put my shoes on. Somehow I got a cut on my left foot and it hurts to walk but feels better in a slipper. She did NOT like that at all. About 20 minutes of yelling about putting my shoes on was a bit much. The weirdest things set her off. Or, maybe it's just me.

A Busy 2 Days

Sunday ... Jon was home and we both went to church. Not at the same time, of course. At 2:00 p.m. Jane came to be with Jessie and Jon and I went and saw "The Step Crew" at the MCPA. It featured the world's top talents in Irish stepdancing, Ottawa Valley stepdancing and modern tap. They were backed by a 5-piece band and a Celtic vocalist and joined by the fiddle playing of 3 champion musicians. It was AWESOME! It was a great show. Jon treated me to dinner at Ike's before we returned home. Jessie had a great time with Jane. They spent quite a bit of time outside.

I said I'd post another picture of the work on Jon's garden. It's coming along nicely. Unfortunately, for this week, it's supposed to be nice on the days he has to work and rain on the days he has off.


Today ... Monday ... I'm not sure what kind of a brain lapse I had 3 months ago, but I scheduled a 9:00 a.m. doctor's appointment for Jessie today. I NEVER do early morning appointments anywhere! Today was a recheck on her weight and blood pressure since she was started on an appetite suppressent. We made it on time and out the door by 9:15 a.m.  Jessie has lost 11 pounds in 3 months!  Hoorah!

We went to Alex's for pancakes then home. I took a short nap before I had aquatic physical therapy at 1:00 p.m. When I got home I did some research for tonight's "book club". There was some really good discussion tonight. Looking forward to continuing it next week. We're almost done. I'm going to miss this when we finish the book.

Garden Expansion

Jon began his day off by getting up early (something I definitely wouldn't have done!), going out to breakfast and then shopping at Home Depot for materials to begin his garden expansion. He worked for several hours removing the fire pit, skimming off the grass and leveling out the ground. I took another picture this evening but it was too dark, so I'll post another one tomorrow of his progress.

Jess and I did our usual Saturday afternoon drive: post office, bank and McDonald's for lunch. She's been pretty good today, EXCEPT when I've coughed or cleared my throat. Then the screaming begins and it doesn't stop for quite some time. Very annoying. I'm so ready for that to end.

Just Another Day

That about sums it up. For me, anyway. I'm sure from God's perspective it was anything but normal. He's always working behind the scenes. I'm thankful He was in my today and is already in my tomorrow!

Lunch With My Sister

After I had aquatic pt, Diane and I went to lunch at the Hamlin Pub. It was really nice being with her. We don't see enough of each other. She's "hard at work" looking for a new job. I was very tired when I got home so I just rested for a couple hours.

Brenda took Jessie to Gym class, McDonald's, then shopping. Unfortunately, Jessie wasn't her best today. A continuation of yesterday. This new medication just isn't helping. 

Family Date Day ... Plan C

Because Debbie is gone on vacation and Jon had off, we designated today as Family Date Day. Plan A was to go to Great Lakes Crossings to the new aquarium that is supposed to be really something. I went on line to check the prices and found out that they were sold out for the entire week.

Plan B ... we were going to go to Port Huron for the day and see "big boats" for Jessie, if the ice was off the river. Today dawned gloomy and wet with predictions of heavy rain so we decided not to go. 

Plan C ... we went to the Country Inn for breakfast then Wiegand's to look around. It is a huge nursery and also has some indoor items. I've been looking for luncheon plates to go on my kitchen wall, but haven't been able to find any I liked ... until today. I think they look really nice.

We also went to Telly's, another nursery, and looked around. That is a dangerous place to take Jon.  He LOVES the things they have there! From there we went to the post office and home.

I decided that since it was a Family Date Day and Jessie wanted to be on her iPad and Jon was repotting some vegetable plants he's growing, I sat down and watched a Hallmark movie I had Jon tape for me. 

Around 6:30 we went and had dinner at Younger's and Chris met us. 

I'd like to say that Jessie was really good on our Date Day, but I can't. Before we go anywhere again, she'll probably need more medication adjustments (or I will!). I was disappointed since I had hoped she'd be some better by now. She yelled, screamed, burped, and kept at it all afternoon. Jon and I decided to give her some Xanax that has been prescribed for her on an as-needed basis, but it didn't help. At all.  

Aquatic PT

Today was my first day of aquatic physical therapy. I guess I did OK. Some of the moves I was familiar with because of water aerobics. One of my biggest things I need to work on is my posture. I know I slump in chairs rather than sitting up straight and shoulders back. Can we teach an old dog new tricks?

The rest of the day was a surprise. I spent the afternoon with Lois after having lunch with Jon and Lois. We shopped for a few last minute items before her return to Haiti on Thursday.

Brenda took Jessie swimming then Subway for lunch. Since this is Easter break, there were scores of kids that came in the pool at noon. Brenda said that Jessie stayed in the pool, watched them and did well. That is good news.

God also spared their lives today! Brenda said that they narrowly missed hitting a car head-on that turned right in front of them. In order to miss the car she had to put the brakes to the floor and steer the van to the turn lane. Everything from the back of the van ended up by Jessie, and it upset Jessie very much. Brenda was able to pull over and help Jessie regain control of her emotions. That is probably the reason why she began screaming at me as soon as I got home. Poor kid just doesn't know how to process certain events. I've always said that if we ever get in a car accident, I don't think I'll ever get Jessie back in a vehicle again. Praise God that it didn't happen today. Praise God, with me, that He protected Jessie and Brenda.

Easter Blessings and Hello Monday

Jessie found her Easter basket in 2 seconds. I guess I didn't try hard enough to hide it. I thought I did. She seemed pleased with all her stuff. A can of Pringles, chocolate chip cookies, goldfish, 5 small Reeses PB eggs, 2 shirts, a hair brush, lotion for her feet, hand sanitizer for her purse and 4 DVD's. She couldn't wait for Jon to come home so she could show him everything in it. It's still together because she wants to show Brenda in the morning.

Around 1:30, Jess and I went to Chris' house for dinner. She has 3 sisters and a brother and sister-in-law. Some of their adult kids were there, along with Eric. Sean and Ashley came later after being with her family.

Jessie was great. She went into a back bedroom and stayed there the entire time except for dinner. She played on her iPad and moved around her letter tiles. She enjoyed herself and was comfortable. She was really good at the dinner table, too, which surprised me because most of the people she had not seen in years.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time around Chris' table. It was fun listening to her family reminisce about the past. So much laughter. It reminded me of years ago when we were able to have a full table, too. My brother, always the hilarious one, would generate alot of laughter.

Jacob was home for the weekend and visited Jon for a couple hours after Jon got home from work.

Monday  ...  I spent the entire day cleaning up the house. I vacuumed and swept floors yesterday AND today. And I brushed the dog, who is shedding a lot. I washed clothes and prepared for having the "book club" here at 6:30 p.m.  Jess and I went out for our traditional "Girls Day Out" (which really is only a couple hours) and went to the post office, Walgreen's and McDonald's for lunch.

Jess and I had a good day together. She rarely yelled and seemed happy. However, she was less than nice during the time the ladies were here. That wasn't appreciated. But, for the most part, I think she did well.

A Show Day

Rachel came home for Easter and offered to work today, so I took her up on that. Jessie enjoys being with Rachel and today was no different.

They read numerous books (something she will only do with Rachel) and then Rachel brought a Easter Egg Basket for Jessie to color and filled it will candy-filled eggs that she was going to hide for her but they didn't have time.

She also took her to the Romeo Theater to see "Home". I never heard of it but Rachel said she seemed to enjoy it, it was cute, and Jessie did really well. Rachel took a selfie of the two of them.

They also went to the Tractor Supply place because there were alot of baby animals out in front for sale. Goats, rabbits, etc. Jessie got to pet quite a few of them.

While they were gone I did alot of running around to a few local stores for Easter Basket stuffers. When I got home I filled them and got them ready to hide tonight. I hope I don't forget them.

They are very short-handed at Jon's work and he had to put in a couple extra hours. He's still not home. He should be soon. He worked a 14-hour shift. I'm sure he'll just say "Hi", take a bath, eat dinner and go to bed. Then do it all over again tomorrow!

Goodbye Playhouse

Many years ago Bill built a beautiful playhouse for the kids in our backyard. Jon spent hours in the two forts. Jessie and I spent many an afternoon in the playhouse having lunch. Over the years we modified it to suit their ages and abilities. For the past several years the playhouse itself has only been used for winter storage. Jon decided that he wanted to expand his garden this year, so he had the playhouse taken down. My, what a difference. It's a bit sad, though. Another part of the past is only in pictures now. I guess that's the way with life.

Dr. Visit Outcome ... Not What I Expected

Jon took me to the doctor today that I was hoping would order shots for my back like I had 5 years ago. Those shots helped a great deal. However, he wouldn't do it, since my symptoms are different than before. I do agree with that. He said that a shot won't help for the pain I am having now. Arthritis. He recommends aquatic physical therapy 3 times a week for a month. Great. Just what I wanted to do. I was excited the other day when I looked at my April calendar and saw that there were alot of days with nothing on them. Oh, well. Not anymore.

I have to admit I am a bit discouraged. I had hoped a couple shots would help the pain for several years. I didn't know that the arthritis was as extensive as he said it was. (I must have been sleeping when he talked to me a couple of months ago.) I need to reevaluate what I'll be able to do in my years ahead.

Right now, I need to thank God that I still have strength in my legs (the doctor said I had alot of "kick" left!) and I'm able to walk. He said I shouldn't have much strength for the severity of my spine. Although I am depressed tonight, I will NOT stay depressed. I'm going to have my usual quiet time with God tonight and praise Him. God's mercies are new every morning. Bless His Holy Name!

Jessie's Art Class

Because Jessie is tactile sensitive, I was hesitant to sign her up for the Adaptive Art Class. However, this is the class that she enjoys the most! Jessie LOVES to paint, color, use markers and do various crafts at home, and is having a great time in this special class.

As you can see, the class had a special visitor today. At first Jess wasn't about to look up, but eventually she did and even took a nice picture with Mr. Bunny.