A Servant's Life at Meadow Brook Hall

This afternoon the Wednesday Book/Bible Study Gals went to Meadow Brook Hall, a National Historic Landmark, for a special afternoon. We had a delicious lunch, then a lecture on the life of the staff that lived and worked at The Great Estate. It concluded with a tour of the servant's quarters then several rooms of the owners, Matilda Dodge Wilson and her second husband, Alfred Wilson. It was a really nice afternoon.

And here we are ...

A New Church Home

God has been working in me since the new year about some changes that needed to be made in my life. I have been overwhelmed with my church responsibilities, all the paperwork that goes into having a special needs adult, and all the things of my Mom's and Bill's that need to be gone through and given away, etc. As well as other things.

I've felt for several months that God was also leading me away from our church that we've attended for over 26 years. It was making me sick thinking about leaving, yet I knew that I had to follow God's leading.

My biggest goal for many years has been to be able to go to church as a family, the 3 of us. Of course, Jon can only attend every other week. Then there's Jessie. She wasn't about to even get out of the van on a Sunday morning at church. So I stayed home with her. I went every other Sunday for years.

Then I "found out" that there was a special needs adult class at 10:00 am. at the church that Bill and I met and were married. I had several people pray about it and for an entire week I talked to her about going to a smaller church (although their attendance on a Sunday morning could reach 1,000 - 3 services). She willingly went and did good! Our first Jessie miracle.

Last week was our second Sunday and when I took her to her room, she wasn't seated yet when she said, "Bye Mom!" Second Jessie miracle. I've NEVER left her alone with people who didn't know her or understand her language, since she left school in 2009.

Jon and I have both enjoyed the sermons we've heard. Today was our 3rd Sunday in a row (Jon switched days and was able to go today). We are looking forward to getting to know others and connect. It does help that we know several people who attend: Chris, Sean and Ashley, and Eric.

Leaving a church family is hard. Especially the Stephen Ministry group that I've been a part of for over 12 years. However, I'm thrilled that my heart's desire of worshiping together has come to be. Thank you, Jesus!

Where Is She Going Without ME?

Our lovely, Darla, is partial to me. When I leave I'm told that she whines and just lays around. Today I was picked up by a friend to go to a funeral. When I got home, Jon showed me a picture he took after I closed the front door ... Darla put her front paws up on Jon's desk to get a better look at me leaving. Ahhhhhhh.

Because today was such a beautiful day ... 67 degrees and sunny ... Jon took Jessie outside to swing and played with Darla for about a half hour.

I came home to the furnace off and windows open. We've had days like this in March, but I don't ever remember a 67 degree day in February. With our luck, it'll probably snow a lot in April and May!

Jessie's Night To Shine

Last night Jessie attended "Night To Shine", a prom for special needs adults, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. This prom night is held all over the United States on the same night. Thousands of special needs adults are able to feel pampered, LOVED, and have a wonderful time.  It takes thousands more volunteers to pull this evening off. My thanks to every single one of them.

The only way we got Jessie there was that Brent was going, and one way to get Brent to go was to have Jessie there. Talk about sneaky parents!

Brent seemed to have a better time than Jessie, but she did OK. It WAS way too loud and too many people. Thankfully, after she ate, there was a sensory room (quiet room) where she could decompress. I'm proud of her for trying and not insisting we go home. We did leave after the crowning. A special thanks to her buddy for the evening, Janis, and especially to Rachel for being with her all evening.

Below are highlights from last night ...

Mom, Rachel, Jessie, Brent's aide, Brent's parents and Brent.

Just arrived and being assigned a buddy and directions.

The best of friends.

The gym was decorated like a wedding!

Absolutely beautiful.

No dancing for Jessie, tho!

She's got a good grip on Rachel's hand.

Just had lipstick put on.

Absolutely my favorite picture.

 

All were crowned

Queen of the Prom

and

King of the Prom

A memorable night for over 80 special needs adults. 

Tea Time

The Wednesday morning Book/Bible Study I belong to went to a Victorian Tea House after an abbreviated study to celebrate 2 birthdays. We all had a really nice time with lots of laughter and good food.

Jessie had fun in Art Class then out to lunch - again with Brent and his mom and aide!

Jon worked. When he got home he asked me: "Have I said that I like 8 hours?" My reply: "Yes, Jon! Numerous times!" I am so glad that God blessed him with a new job with less stress and less hours. Less money, but his health and enjoying his job is so much more important. He says he likes going to work every day and enjoys his 15/20 minute drive.

Jessie's Week With Brent

Jessie's swimming day turned into a surprise for her when Brent and his mom came to the pool to see Jessie, prior to them meeting for lunch at McDonald's.

Tomorrow they will see one another at Art, Thursday at Gym, and Friday they are going to My Night To Shine  (sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation) at church. It's a prom night for adults with special needs.

Brent will go if Jessie goes. Jessie will go if Brent goes. So, we'll see how Friday night turns out. I [plan on taking a lot of pictures!

Um, Um, Good!

I was out all day with Lois and besides shopping, we had lunch at Olive Garden. We splurged and had cheesecake for dessert. Lois had plain cheese cake, and mine was ... well  ... um, um good! Chocolate cake with chocolate cheese cake, cream, chocolate frosting with chocolate chips and chocolate frosting. What's not to like? Thankfully, I didn't eat the entire piece. I brought half home for Jon who'll enjoy it tomorrow for lunch.

Jessie's Monday posted on Wednesday

Oh, well. What can I say? I'm still behind in my life. Not to mention that I haven't been feeling well lately. I've been having allergic reactions quite often and have to take Benedryl, which is one of only 2 medications that put me out and give me a huge hangover. I'm going to the family doctor tomorrow.

On Monday Angie took Jessie to play place and they were the only ones in there, except for the workers. Jess had a great time shooting baskets, working with Legos and painting, among other things.