Oh, No!

While we were eating dinner tonight, Jessie asked for the spoon that the macaroni and cheese was scooped out with. Unfortunately, I had already licked the spoon clean and threw it in the dishwasher. When I told her that, she looked at me, and with much drama, said, "OH, NO!"  Cracked me up! She just stared at me and again said, "Oh, no!"

After dinner a beep was heard coming from the basement and I figured it was one of two smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detector. I called Jon down to go see and fix it and Jess kept saying, "No! No!" I finally explained to her that there was no fire - just the alarm needed a new battery. She quietly said, "Oh, OK."  She's too much.

She had a good day with Brenda - swimming, Rosco The Clown and a million kids at the center, Subway for lunch and a walk at the twp. hall. Brenda said she did really well with all the kids, but wanted to touch all the babies.

Diane came for the second day and worked on the patio paver project. Jon helped her. Lois had an appointment this morning (she's in the States for a couple weeks) then we went shopping all afternoon.

Girls Day Out

Jessie had a good day with Rachel. They read books and watched Full House episodes on TV. Jessie vacuumed the carpets and put away the clean dishes from the dishwasher. They ate lunch at home and then Rachel took Jessie to the show to see Inside Out. Rachel said that Jessie really liked it and seemed to enjoy herself. Especially the popcorn and pop! That's my girl.

Diane came and began on our landscaping project in the back yard. I had a brilliant idea to put down rubber pavers in the area next to the water fountain. I just figured you'd slap them down on the ground and away you go. NOT! I really do have good ideas, but I don't do the research to see what it takes. Luckily I have a sister who likes projects like this and is an excellent worker.

I spent the day doing paperwork for Jessie and completing a year report for Medicaid that is due July 1. That took a while.

Sunday

Jon worked so I was home with Jess. We went to Walgreen's, Benny's for breakfast, then Meijer's for gas. When we got home I sat and rested for a bit then put dinner in the oven. Julie came at 2:30 p.m. and we had dinner together, talked, then watched a movie. Jessie has been very quiet all day on her iPad and with her cards. Tomorrow she'll be busy with Rachel. I turned the air conditioner off this morning and opened the windows and back door. It's a nice 67 degrees outside, with 57 for tonight's low. This reminds me. My mom kept track of each day's weather for years. Not quite sure why, but her diaries always began and ended with the actual weather data. Interesting.

Today's Post ... Saturday

Just in case you only check today's post, I blogged Thursday's and Friday's earlier today, so scroll down to see what we did.

Today it has rained all day and been very windy. A lot cooler, as well. Jess and I usually go out on Saturday, but I just didn't want to. She wasn't very happy about staying home, but, oh well.

While she sat on the floor and watched her iPad all day and played with her Apples2Apples cards, I did 7 loads of wash, made breakfast, lunch and dinner, put away everything from our 2-day trip, blogged, read, and did a bit of paperwork. Unfortunately, while I was stretching a blouse I was hanging up, I pulled something in my fixed up shoulder. It hurts like crazy. I certainly hope I didn't put another tear in my rotator cuff. That would not be good.

Catching Up - Part 2 ... Friday's Blog

Jessie was the first one up, as always. Jon next, then me, as always. After all, I was on vacation!

Their hot breakfast was outstanding and we were able to sit under the huge tree in their eating area. If I'm not mistaken, Lois and I sat at that very same table 2 years ago.

We packed up, loaded up and left the hotel around 10:00 a.m. We stopped at the Village Bakery, also on the property. I am soooooo glad that it's 150 miles away! I've never had such good bakery items. It would be too much of a temptation.











I really didn't want to just go right home and we were close by 1:00 p.m. so I stayed on I-75 and we went to Great Lakes Crossings. We ate lunch in the food court then we went to Michigan's Sea Life Aquarium. I'm glad we spent the money - it was worth the cost. It was really nice. If you have kids, or if you like aquariums, you need to visit this one.


You will notice that we had Jessie in her transport chair. As you know, there's no problem with her walking and it would have been good exercise for her. However, being in large open areas with a lot of people would have been terrifying for her. It's too much stimulation and she would either have run or sat down on the floor and refused to budge. We've learned all this the hard way. The transport chair is the way to go, especially in a mall. I think it makes her feel enclosed and safe.

At one of the exhibits, a worker let Jessie touch an African Star Fish that she had in a plastic box. All the exhibits were awesome and we all had a good time. I especially enjoyed watching the sting rays. They are so graceful in the water. (I remember watching them in the ocean when I was in Hawaii another life-time ago.)

We left and picked up a Little Caeser's Pizza for dinner. There was no way I was fixing any thing to eat. I also took a 2-hour nap from 6-8:00 p.m. And, no, it didn't wreck my night's sleep. I slept from 11:30 to 8:30 a.m. with no trouble.

Well, that brings my blog up-to-date, and I also need to thank Rachel for house and dog sitting. Without her willingness to be here, we wouldn't be able to go any where. Thanks, Rachel!

Catching Up ... Thursday's Blog

On Thursday the kids and I left at 8:00 a.m. on a 2-day vacation. Several years ago when I went with Lois to visit a supporting church in Pennsylvania, we went to Sauder Heritage Inn and Sauder Village in Archbold, Ohio. It was such a nice place I wanted to take the kids sometime.

Eric J. Sauder was the founder of the Sauder furniture companies and non-profit Sauder Village, currently led by the second and third generations of Eric's family. If you've never been there, you need to make it a priority to go. Look it up on the internet: www.saudervillage.org.

Bill and I purchased NUMEROUS Sauder furniture throughout our married life. In fact, both kids still have their
Sauder bedroom outfits.

Since it's only about 150 miles from our house, we were in town by 12:30 p.m. (we had our traditional vacation breakfast at Tim Horton's and needed to stop several times for a bathroom break!). We had lunch at McDonald's then we checked in to our room.

Jessie immediately picks out her bed then gets either her Apples2Apples cards out or her ABC tiles and either uses the iPad or watches a movie on her small DVD player. She enjoys this very much.

We rested for about an hour then since it wasn't raining (it had been predicted to rain all day) we went to the Village and spent a couple hours there. (It is a smaller version of Greenfield Village.) When we were done we went to the Barn Restaurant (on the property) and had their famous buffet. When we were done, we WERE done, and went back to the room to relax.

Throughout the Inn there are beautiful quilts and paintings on their walls. There are also numerous fish ponds and waterfalls with a nice bench to sit and watch. It is just a really neat place.

An Unbelievably Busy Day

I had Stephen Ministry tonight and now it's 10:55 p.m. Jess is still on the couch on her iPad. Jon just went to bed. The dishwasher just got started a few minutes ago. The last load of laundry was hung up or put away. I am more than ready for bed.

Jess spent the day with Debbie. Her last day with her for awhile. She's going on vacation for the month of July and Rachel will take her place. For the second day in a row, Jessie slept in really late. Yesterday it was 10:10 and today Debbie had to wake her at 10:40 a.m.! Now, that's something. She's been pretty happy, too, all day.

I went and had a pedicure and Jon went to a couple of stores for equipment for work. Diane came over and the 3 of us went to Menard's to get supplies to put down rubber pavers in the back yard that Di is going to do for us. The rest of the afternoon before I had to leave for SM just flew by. Like I said, I am more than ready for bed!

Leader's Retreat

The Stephen Ministry Leader's Retreat was today at the Capuchin Retreat Center. Actually, it should be called the SML Planning Day, as we discussed the coming year's continuing education and other related topics. It was very productive and we even finished early. Unfortunately, I had a headache the entire day and still have it. This is very unusual, as I don't normally have headaches anymore. Maybe it was because of the bad weather yesterday and last night.

Harvested Herbs

I know I posted a picture of Jon's herbs drying in the shed. He's also dried them on our family/dining room counter. When I was in Petosky last month, I purchased a "test tube" herb holder. It's really neat looking and he's got them almost all filled: chives, dill, lemon balm, rosemary, stevia and summer savory. I made him put them in alphabetical order. He just raised his eye brows!

Jon had an appointment this morning and I went with him. When we got home I went to Doreen's and helped her trim some walls that she was painting.

Jessie spent the day with Debbie around the house, then went to Wendy's for lunch and came home just before we were due for an extreme storm. Praise God we didn't get what was predicted. Earlier I had cancelled book club because it was supposed to hit around 6:00 p.m. It came at 4:00 p.m. instead and was sunshiny by 6:00 p.m.  I'm just thankful it wasn't bad. I do not like storms. Never have. Never will.

Family

Jon wasn't feeling well this morning so he didn't go to church, but I did. When I got home we went down to Diane and Randie's house and had a bbq lunch and sat and visited for about 4 hours. We had a really nice time.

I took pictures of their backyard gardens, which are awesome! I decided I need to get myself a pedestal sink and put it in my garden, too.

On the way to their house, we sat at a red light and a super stretch limo was next to us. We drew Jessie's attention to the vehicle and she said: "Princess!"  "Snow White!"  She's too much.

A Bunch Of Stuff

I left at 9:00 and picked up Doreen and we went to Chris' house for a Premier Jewelry Party. Home by 1:45 p.m. and straightened up the house, did a couple loads of wash, blew the grass off the sidewalks.

Jon took care of Jess until Rachel got here at 10:00 a.m. They went outside for awhile, Target and McDonald's.

Jon cut the lawn and harvested some more herbs.

We went to Brenda's house around 5:00 to see some Christmas ornaments she was getting rid of. We ate dinner at The Times Square and stopped in to see Don and Rox. It was a really nice visit.

Now, it all sounds good. Right? Well, it would have been if Jess didn't spend the afternoon and evening yelling and screaming at me - again. I sure had hoped she was over that. On the way to Brenda's house she was even crying because she didn't want to get out of the van. So, when we got there I let her stay in the van. Only Brenda went out and got her and she was OK. At the restaurant she was very loud and very noisy at Rox's (but good). Right now she's yelling at the iPad and just got through screaming at me because I coughed. I need ear plugs.

A Busy Day Out

I had an appointment with my friend, Dorene, this morning at 10:00 then we ate breakfast together (at home). At 11:15 I left to take Memphis to the Vet for his annual shots and heart worm test. I had to watch him this morning to see if he'd leave me a sample to take. Thankfully, he did! When we got home I dropped off Memphis and took Debbie and Jessie with me. They had gone out to breakfast and did grocery shopping. We went to the post office, McDonald's for lunch, FCS and picked up the repaired lawn mower at Sears. When we got home I was able to rest a bit before fixing a nice chicken dinner. We waited until Jon came home from work to eat with him. He had a terrible day at work. Hopefully, the next time he goes to work it'll be a good day.

Paperwork

Yesterday I was not able to do anything. It was a very bad physical day for me. I felt useless and very unproductive. I had to take pain medicine and even lay down. I guess I have it in my mind that if I'm not doing something all the time that I am not accomplishing anything.

Today, on the other hand, I worked from the time I got up and I haven't stopped. I've done so much paperwork that I can't even begin to tell you what I've done. I accomplished yesterday's work and today's and even some for tomorrow.

Jessie wasn't herself today. Brenda said she was "on edge". She did a lot of screaming at Brenda and needed to be constantly reminded. Other than that, they had a good day. Gym Day, walked a mile at the park, lunch out.

Jon wasn't feeling so good when he got home from work. His body was hurting more than it has been. We waited to have dinner with him at 8:00 p.m.

Art Class

Jessie doesn't have Art Classes each week in the summer, just one time each month for 3 months. Not much, but something. She bounded out of the house with Debbie, eager to go to "heart" class. Even though the class was large and the noise level was way up, Jess seemed to do OK. They went to lunch with another student and his mom after class.

Treating Myself

I had so much paperwork to do at the computer, calendar and phone that as soon as I finished one project, I rewarded myself and sat on the deck and listened to the water fountain and read. I accomplished a lot of work, yet I didn't feel like I missed out on one of the nicest weather days we've had in quite some time. No rain. No humidity. A nice gentle breeze. Plenty of sunshine. Perfect.

Jon worked a little in the garden and continued to harvest herbs. He's dried some in the house, as well as hung up many in the workshop. So far he has glass jars with these dried herbs in them: chives, dill, lemon balm, thyme, rosemary, summer savory and sweet marjoram. He also has mint and stevia. It's impressive.

Jessie had a wonderful day with Brenda. They went to the pool, ate lunch at the park then walked a mile and visited some goats at Frontier Town. You'd think she would be tired. Not. She's still going strong.

Another Week Begins

Jessie and Debbie were out in the community all day, and Jessie did well. She even did very well with Shiloh who was here before Jessie left and after she got home. Doreen was here most of the day working outside and a bit inside. Book Club was tonight. Jon completed his 3rd day in a row. The day went by pretty fast. Time to go upstairs.

Last Night's Fireworks

I had forgotten that whenever we see fireworks, Jessie always says, "Jesus!" Somehow she identifies fireworks with Jesus in Heaven. And for the past 4 years she's been saying, "Daddy!" also when the fireworks go off. I tried to explain to her that the fireworks were beautiful but it wasn't Heaven. Nothing I've ever said mattered. She got quiet for a bit and I looked down at her as she sat on the floor. She was quietly waving and said, "Hi, Daddy!" Talk about wanting to cry! It broke my heart. There was nothing I could say to her. Just hugged her a little tighter.
 

How Times Have Changed

For years Washington Twp had their June festival on Jessie's birthday weekend. We'd have family and friends over for a back yard party and go to the Craft Show. For several years now they have put on a fireworks show on Saturday night but changed the weekend to the week after her birthday. From lots of people over, food and fun, we're down to Jess and me at the dining room window and Jon in bed. The fireworks should begin pretty soon. It's dark enough because the day was very cloudy.

I took Jess to Subway for lunch then Kohl's because she needs new blue jean shorts. Kohl's has the best ones and I have a 30% off coupon. Unfortunately, Jess got nothing and I bought 2 pair of shoes and 2 blouses. Sorry, Jess!

I've done nothing but paperwork all day and wash. When the fireworks are over we're done for the day!

Trying To Play Catch Up

Jessie and Debbie had breakfast out then went to Meijer's. Jon went to the movies to see "Jurassic World" and I stayed behind and tried to play catch up. Now that Jessie's birthday is over and Lois' prayer letter is done and mailed, I'm trying to get the house organized again and do paper work. I did work all morning but had a crummy headache so I went and laid down for a couple hours in the afternoon. It helped a little. I took the kids to Chili's for dinner and now I'm working on the computer. This weekend I'm going to continue to get caught up. That's the plan, anyway. We'll see what happens.

Wiegand's

Jon went to the doctor this morning and I went with him. He gave Jon a shot of steroids and medication for the inflammation with an appointment again in 2 weeks. We'll see how he does. Please continue to pray.

We had breakfast at the Country Inn and I had their crunchy French toast and bacon. So yummy. We then went to Wiegand's and was pleasantly surprised.

They had a butterfly house on the grounds that was really something. I even went inside and I don't like things flying around me. The various butterflies were beautiful!

Then there was a garden walk that was unbelievable. I felt like I was on vacation visiting a special garden area.

If you're in the area of Wiegand's (on Romeo Plank north of 21 Mile Road), please go and visit. I think it is one of the hidden secrets of Macomb County! This hosta plant was gigantic!

When we got home Jon worked in his garden for a little bit and I weed wacked until I couldn't wack anymore. Our neighbor, Ed, came over yesterday and cut our lawn with his riding tractor. Our lawn mower is still at Sears getting fixed. Sure hope they hurry. With all this rain, it needs to be cut even again.

Jessie oohed and aahhed over dinner tonight: box macaroni and cheese and hot dogs. I don't know why I bother making really nice meals.

It's beginning to storm, so I need to shut down the computer. Good night!

Wednesday's Blog

I couldn't get on the internet last night, so I was unable to blog. I wanted to share pictures of Jessie working on Aunt Lois' prayer letter. Other than the constant screaming, "NO!" throughout the day, Jess had a good day. She emptied and refilled the dish washer, folded towels and put labels on envelopes for prayer letters. She did a really good job with very little help from Debbie. She even stuffed them with 2 sheets of paper. Great job, Jessie !!! Aunt Lois is proud of you, too!

My day didn't go as planned, but that's no surprise. Plan B worked out well, too. Doreen and Matt came and weeded for me and I had to go to the bank, post office, Walgreen's and get gas before I went and had my hair done.

Stephen Ministry met last night. The Leader's (mostly Barry) put on a BBQ for everyone to close out the Continuing Ed portion of our every-two-week meeting for the "year", even though we meet one more time for CE and then just Supervision for the summer.

It was a good evening with great food and fellowship. Former SM, Shannon, came and gave an update on her journey with kidney cancer. Very few eyes were dry last night. Mine especially.

Even though I am so grateful for God sparing people's lives from the dreaded cancer, I weep because sometimes His healing comes through earthly death. Sometimes it just hurts when you've lost a loved one and others are healed. Please don't get me wrong. I do rejoice in their healing. I praise God for his mercy for them. But, sometimes the tears just flow.

Bill was a believer in Christ and I know exactly where he is this moment. He's with Jesus. In Heaven. For him, nothing could be better. I'm a firm believer in the Bible and I take comfort in scripture that says we have a time to be born and a time to die. Those days are already preset. If Bill didn't have cancer, March 8, 2012, would still have been his day to die.

When I got home from SM I wrote a letter to God telling Him how I felt because that was the only way I was going to get through the night. I'm glad His word also says: "His mercies are new every morning!"

5:36 a.m.

That's the time Jessie got up for the day. She went swimming at the Rec Center, out to lunch and walking at our local park. She's been on the floor with her iPad and cards since Brenda left and displays no signs of being tired. I'm not quite sure where she gets her energy. She doesn't go to bed early either. Between 10 and 11:00 p.m.

I had a SM Leader's meeting in the afternoon, worked on Lois' prayer letter, washed clothes - oops, that reminds me I still have clothes in the washer and dryer - be right back ... I'm back !!! - finished a book and worked on the computer.

Jon worked and came home in a lot of pain. I plan on going to the doctor's with him on Thursday. We already know that all his blood work returned good, except for inflammation. That was not good.

Thanks, Becky, for the card for Jessie, picture and gift of money. That was very special. She enjoyed looking at the picture and having me tell her who each person was. She also knows that money pays for stuff at the Dollar Store and McDonald's! Thanks again. (I enjoyed the picture, too!)

I Need To Stay Out Of Menard's !!!

Debbie and Jessie went with me today to the Mental Health Division to renew Jessie's annual guardianship papers. That done we went to Menard's to pick up 5 bags of rubber mulch for Jon's garden. However, while there I saw 16" rubber patio squares that I thought would be nice under our 2-seater swing set. I've wanted to do something there since the play house was removed, but hadn't made up my mind. And, since they were on sale ($2.00 off each square) I decided to go for it and bought all they had and got a rain check for the rest. I had to drive home slowly as the van was weighted down considerably.

I had about 30 minutes to chill out before it was time to make dinner and get ready for "Book Club". Jessie went upstairs with Jon which helped a lot. I am tired and need to go upstairs where both Jon and Jessie are already in bed.

Happy Birthday, Jessie

Well, I must say, I believe Jessie had a wonderful 25th birthday. From going to the hotel and having her annual party to having surprise cards in the mail and several people showing up with presents, she was very pleased. Thank you to everyone who had a part in making her birthday so special.

Jon and I combined our presents for her in one big bag and she opened them this afternoon after we went to Benny's for lunch. She received a $14.99 free entree for her birthday and both Jon and I had $10.00 coupons for our meals. Not only was everything delicious, it was inexpensive!

Will There Ever Be A Saturday With Nothing To Do?

Most likely not. This one certainly wasn't ...

Jon, Jessie and I had breakfast out then went to the post office and bank. Jon pulled weeds in his garden for several hours and Jessie and I went down to Office Depot for Lois. We had lunch at Wendy's, shopped at FCS then back to Office Depot to pick up her prayer letter. I was very tired when we got home and sat on the deck for an hour and listened to the water fountain. Jon's been harvesting several herbs and drying them. After dinner Jessie insisted on sitting outside on the swing again and only came inside because a "BEE" flew by her, which really wasn't a bee. My toes were frozen anyway so it didn't matter to me.

I'm asking prayer for Jon. He's been having severe joint pain for several weeks and went to the doctor on Friday. He took blood and is doing an extensive work up for him. He doesn't look well, either. We're both concerned. Your prayers are appreciated!

Jessie's Birthday Celebration

For the 5th year in a row, we went to the Hampton Inn to celebrate Jessie's birthday yesterday. Brenda, Jessie and I arrived around 3:00 p.m. and after checking in we got in our bathing suits and headed to the pool.  Brenda and I had a nice time in the water ... Jessie said she was scared and wouldn't get in the pool. I couldn't believe it. We were the only ones in the pool and Jess has been in this pool at least 10 times before. I have no idea what her problem was. She just refused to put more than her feet in the water. Go figure.

The party began around 5:00 with Jessie and me, Brenda and Debbie, Jane and Rachel, Diane and Randie and Chris. We had Louie's pizza and salad (again for the 5th time) then for something different, she had a chocolate chip cookie cake.
I think it was a hit because she kept saying, "MMM" "MMM""MMM"!

After we ate we went to the room and she opened her presents. She had a really fun time and thanked everyone for their gifts!  When she was finished she was done partying and got her portable DVD player, tiles and laid on the bed and watched a movie.

Diane, Randie, Jane, Rachel, Chris and I played a couple games of Pairs to Pairs, then it was just Jane and Rachel, Jessie and me to spend the night. Jess was out before too long (she had Gym class earlier in the day) and Jane and I talked for a bit.

Today, Friday, we had breakfast downstairs then Jane and Rachel left. Jon took the day off of work because he's not been feeling well for awhile and went to the doctor. When he was finished, he came to the hotel room and Jessie showed him each gift that she received. I think that was so special.
He also helped me get everything in the van.

Debbie met us at home and took Jessie to Meijer's grocery shopping and the post office. After the groceries were put away, and the thunderstorm passed, I went with them to McDonald's for lunch. Jon spent the day in his room resting.

Just before dinner Jessie got out all her gifts and lined them up on the couch. She received Season 1 of Full House and watched the entire disc 1 tonight. I even enjoyed it. She's had a very nice couple of days. Thanks to everyone who made it special for her!

Spending Time Outside

I enjoyed a couple hours on the deck this afternoon listening to our new water fountain and taking a nap. It's a very peaceful sound. I know that Bill would have loved it!

We've been eating our meals outside and tonight around 8:00 p.m. Jessie decided she wanted to go outside and play with chalk. I wasn't about to let that happen, mean mother that I am. Instead I had her sit on the double swing with me and we watched FB video posts.

Actually, Jessie was waiting for it to get dark so she could see the lights that are in the water fountain. We sat there for quite some time but then she fell asleep. I let her sleep until my toes were frozen and by that time she could see the lights through the water.

As I said before, the back yard is a work in progress. We have to decide how we're going to landscape the area where the swing is. We also want to put some type of shrubs or hearty ornamental grass around the fountain. Not sure yet. I worked about an hour outside this afternoon just around the tree at the bottom of the steps. My garden is over run again with fern that I got from my mom's house before we sold it. That stuff overtakes everything!

Is It Just Tuesday?

For some strange reason, I can't keep my days straight. Last week I was off, too!

Jon worked in his garden this morning finishing the white stones and perennial border flowers that are in the front of the garden. I'll have to take a picture tomorrow and post it. We were waiting for the Plant Center to come and deliver the new addition to the garden area: a water fountain! The back yard sure is a work in progress this year.

Jess had a great day with Brenda at the pool. She has been doing quite a bit better all around, so thank you so much to those of you who have been praying.

Also, I want you-all to know that I have NOT had to take any pain medication for my back (or anything else for that matter!) for at least 2 weeks. I have been doing unusually well. Praise God! This is a miracle. Thank you for praying for me!

A Full Day

Debbie took Jessie to several places today and she did pretty good. Doreen came and cleaned my house. I changed my bathroom curtains and rugs from winter colors to summer colors. I had lunch in Richmond with Joyce, Carol and Chris. I ordered pizza and salad for Jessie's birthday party. I took out the garbage cans for pick up tomorrow. I sat down for a half hour before I made our dinner. Book Club met tonight for the first time in our study of "Heaven", by Randy Alcorn. It was very good and even alot of fun when we got off topic (at the end) and several related times they almost got arrested and sent to jail. I topped them off when I related that I WAS actually locked up in jail! I have no idea how we got on that topic, but it was hysterical. Jon worked and had a very bad, no good, terrible day.