Another Good Day For Jessie

Rachel took Jessie swimming this morning then Subway for lunch. They came home for awhile then went to Stony Creek and walked a bit around the lake.

When they got home she watched a home video where almost the entire movie was opening presents for birthdays and Christmas. After Rachel left she continued to watch the video and after it was finished she gathered all the "toys" that she has in the family room and lined them all up by the coffee table. Then she rearranged them a couple of times. They were gifts she had gotten for Christmas and Easter. I'm not sure what was going through her mind, but she was having fun. She's definitely looking forward to her birthday next week, where she can get her "ten presents".




Jon worked in his garden for several hours but got overheated and was not feeling well the rest of the day. He really should have taken today off from doing anything since the last 3 days at work were awful. He needs to rest.

I had a meeting this morning then I went to Office Depot and got Lois' prayer letter run, then had it folded at Chris' work. Post office to get stamps and our mail. Doreen had cut down all the tall weeds in back of the workshop, in preparation for cement to be poured on Friday. I also spent a couple hours outside doing yard work. I am very pleased that I can do as much as I have been. I still hurt, but nothing like I used to.

Memorial Day

Jessie had a GREAT day. She did a lot of laughing and seemed very happy. Since today was our 3rd day in a row home (ahhhh!) we went to Michael's to look around, Walgreen's to pick up a prescription and McDonald's for a pop and ice cream cone. Diane and Randie came by after they shopped at Wiegand's. I did several loads of wash, paperwork and Jessie put on all the address labels for "Aunt" Lois' prayer letter. She LOVES doing this project and she does a great job. Jon worked and looked like something the cat dragged in, so to speak, when he got home. Three 12's are just plain hard.

A Quiet Restful Day

No "attacks" for Jessie. She was using her iPad and cards and beads all day. She did not want to go outside and swing. I watched a previous sermon from church that I missed and rested. Very quiet today, except for a short thunderstorm with hail.

Friday and Saturday

FRIDAY  Jessie wanted to go to breakfast, so Rachel took her for scrambled eggs and dry toast. They came back and later went to Meijer's to return pop bottles. In the afternoon while I was out doing errands, Jess complained of pain so Jon gave her some medicine. She was better after she rested. The same thing happened today, also. Today she also slept for 1 1/2 hours.

I received the blood work via internet today, SATURDAY, that was done on Tuesday and Thursday. Her liver numbers have come down but are still high. She has multiple gall stones, one being very large. Still no word of the special blood work done.

Rachel came and helped me with the deck. It was so very hot outside, her cheeks were rosy red! I'm grateful for her help. She did a great job. Kylee and Lynzee have helped me in the past, but we just couldn't connect this year. I'm thrilled that I was able to do as much as I did! Now we just need cooler weather so we can enjoy the deck.

Jessie's No-Good, Terrible Afternoon

I received a call this morning from the NP that Jessie's blood work taken on Tuesday was abnormal and she wanted her to go to the hospital right away. Her liver functions were extremely high. Jon came home from a class at work and we were in the ER around noon, I think.

Jessie fought, kicked and screamed getting the IV in, but the tech was very good and got it in the first time. She also had an abdominal ultrasound. Many thanks goes to the technician who did the exam while Jessie sat in a wheelchair and stood up. She has gall stones and something with the liver, although there are no masses or tumors in the liver. Praise God!

Our Gastro doctor was consulted, he ordered more blood work that takes 2 days to get results, so they sent her home. I think they would have kept her if not for the 2-day waiting period for blood work. Prayers would be appreciated that any of the gall stones do not move, and especially get stuck. That would not be good.

She seems to be good right now. She is happily on her iPad and playing with her cards. She doesn't want to go to bed, but Jon and I do !!!

I'm Here

I don't have time right now to blog. We went away for a couple days and Jessie had "an attack" the last night there and also tonight. Jon and I think it's her gall bladder. She is scheduled for a gall bladder ultrasound on Friday. Prayers would be greatly appreciated.

I will elaborate and post pictures of our trip to Indiana for the weekend in the next couple of days.

The Tree Is Almost Down

The most noteworthy incident that happened today is the taking down of our mammoth 100 ft tree in the back yard. There were 3 men, and they weren't young either. Their bucket only goes as high as 65 feet and the tree is over 100 feet. It's amazing how they get it down. They sure earn every penny they make, and I hope it's quite a few pennies.

Back To Art Class

Jessie's Art class began again this morning after Rachel took her to McDonald's for a quick breakfast. They went to Target and Jessie showed her all the items she wants for her birthday. Rachel left at 1:00 and Jennifer came at 1:30 p.m. It was work day at the Library and, according to Jennifer, Jessie needs very little help in organizing and filing the DVD's. From there they walked around a park track.

I met some ladies this morning to begin a Bible study that I did almost 3 years ago but never finished because of my knee surgery. I bought the CD's and always hoped to get back to it. It's a Beth Moore study called, The Patriarchs.

I stayed up until 2:00 this morning trying to finish Nora Robert's new book, The Obsession, but didn't make it. I decided I couldn't wait until night time again so after dinner I sat on the couch to finish the book. However. My darling daughter talked non-stop to me about summer vacation and what we should take to eat. I had to stop, talk to her and then I finally finished it. This is why I don't read until everyone is in bed! PS It's a really, really good book!

Happy 28th Birthday, Jon !!!

Jon's birthday began with breakfast out with himself. He had a lobster omelet. Then he "hit" a couple greenhouses then came home and planted almost all of his garden. He worked for 4 or 5 solid hours and he feels it tonight.

After he got cleaned up, Jess and I went upstairs and he opened his presents from us. Pictured is the garden "welcome" stone Jessie gave Jon.

I took Jon to Filippa's for dinner and Diane and Randie met us there. Rachel watched Jess. For his birthday dinner he had an escargot appetizer, lobster bisque soup, sea scallops with sauteed spinach and rice pilaf and creme broule for dessert. He said everything was great! (Not my kind of meal, but, hey! It's not my birthday!)

Where does the time go? I can remember the exact moment he was born. It seems like just a few short years ago. Now, 3 weeks from today it will be Jessie's 26th birthday! And, I remember that exact moment, too!

Jessie's Fun Day Out

Rachel took Jessie to the Library this morning to take back books and get more to read. They also went to the Dollar Store and Jess bought Jon a birthday card (it's tomorrow!) and present. After lunch at home they went to Stony Creek. They went to the boat launch and walked near the water. It was very windy, though, so Jessie was trying to stay upright.


From there they went to Frontier Town where Jessie enjoyed feeding the goats and lambs.






They also went shopping in the stores and Jessie got over enthusiastic with some hats ...







Can you tell she had a really good time?

Saturday and Sunday

I didn't post last night because I was in so much pain I just needed to go upstairs. Jess and I got up late, ate a late breakfast then went to the post office and Kohl's. It's been years since we all have had new clothes. Jess and I bought several new tops and I bought new shorts, as my "old" ones no longer fit. (YAH!) We ate lunch at Subway and came home.

I spent the rest of the day doing paperwork and loads of laundry. Jess, of course, entertained herself with her iPad, beads and cards. I don't know why, but my entire spine hurt last night. Jon rubbed in my back twice with Deep Blue and that helped. It was better today.

Jon worked today, so it was just "you and me", as Jess says it. I watched a Joyce Meyer sermon then Jess and I went to lunch with Chris. When I got home we had about 20 minutes before Brianna came to watch Jess while I went to our church's annual meeting. After fixing dinner I read a bit.

I think I have forgotten to mention that I quit the Cornerstone Wellness program. I have NOT quit losing weight. I was and still am committed to getting healthy and losing weight. After being sick for 6 weeks on the program and numerous doctor appointments, I decided that it wasn't right for my body. I joined Weight Watchers on line. I have done very well and continue to lose. I am now down 23# from when I started the CW program in March.

Breakfast with Jane and Congratulations, Kylee !!!

Jessie had a surprise at breakfast this morning ... Jane came! (Rachel's mom.) They went to a different restaurant than normal, it was very crowded, but Rachel said Jessie did well.

I had a meeting in the morning then the kids had re-checks at the hearing specialist's office in the afternoon. Jessie's tubes are right where they are supposed to be and her ears look good. Jon passed his nose scope too - all looks well down inside. Good news for both.

Rachel came back at 5:20 and Jon and I went to a graduation celebratory dinner in honor of Kylee's graduation with an associates degree from MCCC. She just graduated from high school last year. She was enrolled in the high school/college program for the past 3 years (I think). Congratulations, my dear Kylee !!!!!!! Pizza, salad and very yummy chocolate cake was enjoyed by all.

A Storm Is Comin !!!

I need to make this short and sweet because we're going to have a thunderstorm and I want to shut down the computer. Brenda took Jessie grocery shopping, swimming, McDonald's then to the park for a walk. She's been yawning quite a bit so I hope she goes to sleep early tonight.

Thanks to my friend, Brianna, I finally have my snowmen put away, my bedroom cleaned and the second hall closet emptied, sorted and put back together! Thank you, Bri !!!!! It took us 3 hours and when she left I needed pain medicine and a nap!

Jon went to several greenhouses again and came home with a cherry tree and various other plants. I feel like I live in a greenhouse because they're all over the house!

A Mixed Up Wednesday

Art doesn't begin until next Wednesday, so Rachel and Jess didn't have anything special planned. Jennifer is sick so she couldn't come in the afternoon. I suggested that Rachel take Jessie to work in the morning instead. They did then met Jessie's friend, Brent, and his mom and aide for lunch at McDonald's. Burgers are Brent's favorite and chicken is Jessie's, so both were happy.

I had Stephen Ministry tonight and Sue couldn't come because she became a grandma last week! and was helping out the new momma. Rachel came back to be with Jessie while I went to SM.

Jessie's Dental Appointment

Jess had her 6-month dental check up this morning. When I call ahead to get the appointment, I always remind them that she needs the "sound proof room", because she has been very loud in the past. For the past several times I've not heard her screaming. Today. Definitely. In fact, it was so loud that I got up and went on back (she goes by herself) wondering who was suffering the most - her or the doctor! They had just finished up and no cavities! That is a blessing, as both Jon and I wouldn't have been able to handle another IV and hospital visit, as the only time she's had a cavity fixed was down at Children's Hospital. Thank you, God !!!!!

Just An Ordinary Monday

Rachel was here for Jessie in the morning. Jon had a doctor's appointment then came home and planted veggie seeds in his garden and cleaned out junk behind the shed. I had a meeting in the morning then we went out to lunch. When Rachel left, Jess and I went to Target to return a bag of dog food we bought for Val, then to Meijer's to buy a few things. For some reason I was whipped when I got home so I sat on the couch and napped. Even Jon took a nap today. Jessie took one in the morning. Must have been the type of weather that puts people to sleep! I made gyro sandwiches for dinner with peppers and watermelon. Like I said ... just an ordinary Monday.

Happy Mother's Day

To all my friends and family who read this blog: Happy Mother's Day.  Even if you aren't, and you're a woman, of course, I'm sure you have the role of mother-friend, aunt, cousin, honorary mother, etc. Every one of us have the opportunity to make a difference in a child's/teen's/adult's life. A Mother-figure.

Jon and I were able to go to church then the 3 of us went to Chris' house for dinner. Eric came, too, and while we talked or played games, Jessie was in one of the bedrooms watching DVD's on her portable DVD player, and playing with letter tiles and Apples to Apples cards. We all had a really nice time.

I want to share some picture of my Mom ...

Here's mom with her dad. Probably 1923.

Mom told me that every Sunday the family met at the cemetery for a picnic (go figure) and to visit with friends and relatives. Here's she's on the left with her sister, Elsie, on the right and the family stone. And their dolls, of course.

Summer of 1939 with their Mom.

Mom, me and my baby sister, Diane, on Easter Sunday. 

Maybe around 1957 or so.

Seven years before she passed away. 

My kids see the Queen of England and say: "Grandma!"

A New Home For Valentine

It's a long story, but Valentine has a new home. The man that got him was like a little kid. He was so excited about Val. The man brought his brother and if he didn't take him, the brother would have. They were both older gentlemen. Jessie was fine with saying goodbye to Val. She told us later she wants a "big dog" like "Memphis".  Guess that's what we'll have to look for. I'm going to start searching web sites for therapy dogs.

A Hard Decision

Today Jon and I decided that Val is not the best match for our family. I know it's only been a couple of days, but he has some qualities that won't be good for us. For instance, he constantly follows me around the house and ignores Jessie. He won't go to her and only lets her pet him if I am near. That won't do. He needs to bond with her.

Now I am trying to find a home for him. The previous owners can't take him back because of their daughter's allergy to dogs. He may have to go to a rescue. I've called several people and places today and no luck so far.

I guess what will be the best is if I just go ahead and pay for a trained therapy dog. Not one that will need to be trained, like Val would. I need him to walk on a leash and not tree a squirrel or other animal.

If you think of us, please pray that we can find him a good home immediately, so it won't be so hard on him. Jessie seems OK to let him go to another home. Probably because he won't come to her.

Jon's Addition To His Garden

Jon's blueberry bushes didn't do well the past 2 years, so he took them out and bought 4 apple trees to put in their place. Two yellow and 2 red delicious apple trees. The kind that grow 10-12' but only about 2' in diameter. The blossoms on them are really pretty.

Jessie had a good day with Brenda. They went to Meijer's grocery shopping, Subway for lunch and the park. When they got home Jessie sang her Jesus songs while swinging in her hammock.

I didn't do much. I was a bit down today. I don't know why and I have no reason to have been down. I didn't even want to read, which is really unusual!!! I took Val to the groomer's for a bath. I was supposed to do paperwork, but I ignored it. It'll still be there tomorrow.

Welcome To Your New Home, Valentine !!!

We've been praying for just the right dog for Jessie. One that is about 1-2 years old. House broke. Calm and would be able to be trained as a Therapy Dog. Well, Val just happened to need a new home since one of his human kids turned out to be highly allergic to dogs.

He is calm and loves to cuddle and be petted. He's 2 1/2 years old. However, he likes to sit on the couch and sleeps in beds. Not for long! Tomorrow he gets a bath and I'll be talking with a trainer.

Jessie really likes him a lot. It's hard for her to say "Val", but she sure tries. He's done pretty good so far considering we just picked him up at 2:30 pm this afternoon.

Jessie's Surgery

We left the house at 5:00 a.m. to go to the hospital. Jessie was scheduled to have tubes put in her ears at 7:45 a.m. The surgery took 10 minutes, but it took 2 hours to get her drugged enough to have 6 people lift and flop her on the gurney then have the IV put in. It was not fun. Jon ended up with chest pains (he also had just finished three 12 1/2 hour days) and I was sick to my stomach. Luckily, the medicine they gave her makes you not remember.

She was well enough to go out to breakfast on the way home then spent the day on the floor or on the couch with her iPad and beads and cards.

I took a nap in the afternoon and Jon took one later. Jessie took no naps. However, after dinner we had to put ear drops in her ears and that sent her over the edge. She spent about a half hour crying before I could get her settled down. I went up stairs around 8:00 p.m. and went to bed with her until she finally fell asleep.

Ear drops need to be put in her ears twice a day for 5 days. Please pray that she will not fight and scream and cry as she did tonight. They are necessary to curb any infection. It's a 2-man operation. Thanks!

I didn't blog last night and I don't remember why. All I did was paperwork and loads of wash so I wouldn't have to do anything today, which I didn't. Jon did work outside in his garden, though, because tomorrow it's supposed to rain. Again.

A Quiet Sunday

Jess stayed in her bedroom until almost 11:00 this morning, and I didn't bother her. We finally ate breakfast around 11:30 !!! She spent her day doing various Jessie-things and I (FINALLY) colored! Jon and Diane and Randie gave me adult coloring books for Christmas and Jon gave me a beautiful box with colored pencils in it. I finally colored one page this afternoon. It's almost done. I'm going to use the ones I color in my scrapbooks.

Chris came over in the afternoon and we just visited. She stayed for dinner and left later than normal. Jon had an OK day at work. He looked real tired, though!