Hello Ladies,
I made it. Valley went to school this morning and I slept right through it! I may have some doubts and down moments, but at this moment, I feel confident that retiring was the correct decision. I am so happy to be able to help my mom through her recovery. I shudder to think I would have to return to my office instead. Several folks have texted, messaged and called to ask how I feel about not going back, and I have to honestly say, "I haven't given it a thought!" I'm finished with that part of my life; no regrets, no seconds thoughts and no looking back.
When Mom gets on her feet and we are no longer staying at night, I m going to quilt everyday. I plan to have a scheduled morning quilting hour or two. I have so many tops to finish, patterns to cut and quilts to quilt or have quilted, I know that scheduling time will ensure they get done. I do believe that choosing fabric is the big thrill for me, maybe I should just buy fabric and gift it to a real quilter! I suppose that might cause custody issues when they were finished though.
Stephen King's garden is done. The tomatoes have just about dried up on the vines. Guess there will be no juicing this fall. He has spent many long, hot hours out ther this summer and the results were delicious. I am happy he enjoys gardening, it fills lots of empty hours for him. I do wish he had another hobby though, maybe woodworking or something like it. TV seems to rot his brain, he continues to watch NBA games from the 80s and movies from the 30s. Not just watch but ENJOY! Makes me sad to see his little head shrinking. He does spend time reading, and I love that. But he tends to drop off after a few chapters and wants to share what he's reading with me. I have a rule DON'T READ TO ME AND I WON'T READ TO YOU. He isn't quite up on that one yet.
The kiddos are starting school tomorrow and none of them are excited about it at all. The boys and Madeleine haven't had enough playtime and Mackenzie isn't sure about her senior year. The transplant is likely to interfere with school this year at some point, but we don't know when. Not knowing is difficult for her. Mack is a good patient but would like to have more of a definite timeline. She plans on working on the yearbook from her bed, she hasn't talked about the rest of her classes! I know the kids will all settle into school in a matter of days. They are all good students and learn like eager beavers. Their friends are all at school and the little ones are social butterflies. Caleb will play basketball this year and I would be thrilled if the doctors allowed Maddie to play. She is a born athlete, but hasn't been healthy enough to play in the past, with the last surgery we hope her heart will be strong enough. Gavin has done soccer and tennis, but 1st grade doesn't have basketball. It will be something to start all those school activities over again with these boys, their dad's kept us busy in the 80s. I really cannot believe my boys are in their forties, gee, where did all the time go?
Have a stack of ironing waiting for me, Girls. Talk to me, Love
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Real Life
We are back to real life here in the Valley, you can escape for only so long. Mom fell in her yard and broke her wrist and shoulder 2 weeks ago and has required 24/7 care since. My sister and sisters-in-law have been wonderful, jumping in to help with her care. We rotate through the week 24 hours at a time. so blessed to have such a loving family.
Stephen King and I just finished the corn; we have quite an operation, him outside shucking, blanching in a big canner on the gas grill, me inside dumping it in icy water and cutting it off with the electric knife and bagging it up. It is finished for another year, and if it doesnt rain soon, our garden with it. Our tomatoes are desparate for water. Overall, Stephen King has had a banner year with his garden this year, love to have some tomatoes to can though! We never seem to be satisfied with what blessing we have, always asking for just a little more. Must have come from Eve and that danged apple!.
Bless her heart, Mom held out till I was almost home from vacation to get hurt. We had a terrific time in Cape San Blas, relaxing, swimming, playing on the beach, and lots of reading and eating. Caleb was amazed at the amount of food we bought, cooked and ate. He kept asking, " What are we going to do with all this food." I think it was because lots of it had to be put on the counter at the bar. Our house was new, modern, and beautiful but lacked a pantry and good storage. This drove me crazy, as I like everything put away out of sight. Apparently it bothered Cabe too!
Yesterday was a fun day for my girls and I. We headed to Clarksville for our annual school shopping and lunch. Mackenzie is a senior so this will be our last for high school , but I'm sure IUS will require a trip or two next year. Madeleine is a 6th grader this year and she is ready to go. Her last year at Throop Elementary. Only our boys remain. I promised them a trip for boys only this week. In the first and second grades, they have lots of school years to prepare for. Caleb is not quite as enthused about the whole deal as we would wish. He seems to like freedom and play much better than learning. Or at least better than sitting and listening. He and Gavin are bright boys, quick to catch on the new concepts and they get along well with other kids. And can charm most adults into whatever they desire! To add to the fun day, Shawn and I took all the littles to see "The Smurfs" last night. It was a cute movie, so much less annoying than SpongeBob or even than the old TV show. After the movie Stephen King and I joined the kids at Trent and Nina's pool. An after dark swim was just the ticket after a hot busy day. So quiet down on the farm at night, just the stars and some heat lightening for company, we floated around quietly chatting. Gavin went to sleep in a floatie on Shay's lap. So peaceful.
This week brings another Riley visit for Mack, this one to the pulmonologist. Her lungs have responded well to the new antibiotic, but still inhibit her activity. A new kidney will help her breathe better by sending clean blood to those damaged lungs. The disease is dormant, just scar tissue remains in the lungs, so keeping the undamaged areas healthy is critical. We are waiting for the initial meeting of the transplant team, so we can start the family testing. So many have offered to donate if they match. Wonderful, caring people, family and friends plus a few strangers who have heard of Mack's need for a kidney.
Mom is healing well, better than expecting at her age. We will just keep doing what we are doing till they can start physical therapy in a couple of weeks. She has been a pleasant patient so far, but the PT may bring on more pain than she can graciously deal with. And that's OK, she deserves to complain a bit. She has always been a quiet, gracious lady and with this injury her biggest complaint is feeling guilty that she has to "bother" us girls. As if she hasn't devoted her whole life to taking care of her family... we are just paying our dues! It truly has been a pleasure to do for her. I hate to see her hurting and helpless, but I have loved being with her for all the hours, even sleeping in the big king bed beside her. Watching over her and making her comfortable makes me happy. I am so glad I have retired and can do this.
Talk tome ,Ladies. Love you all.
Stephen King and I just finished the corn; we have quite an operation, him outside shucking, blanching in a big canner on the gas grill, me inside dumping it in icy water and cutting it off with the electric knife and bagging it up. It is finished for another year, and if it doesnt rain soon, our garden with it. Our tomatoes are desparate for water. Overall, Stephen King has had a banner year with his garden this year, love to have some tomatoes to can though! We never seem to be satisfied with what blessing we have, always asking for just a little more. Must have come from Eve and that danged apple!.
Bless her heart, Mom held out till I was almost home from vacation to get hurt. We had a terrific time in Cape San Blas, relaxing, swimming, playing on the beach, and lots of reading and eating. Caleb was amazed at the amount of food we bought, cooked and ate. He kept asking, " What are we going to do with all this food." I think it was because lots of it had to be put on the counter at the bar. Our house was new, modern, and beautiful but lacked a pantry and good storage. This drove me crazy, as I like everything put away out of sight. Apparently it bothered Cabe too!
Yesterday was a fun day for my girls and I. We headed to Clarksville for our annual school shopping and lunch. Mackenzie is a senior so this will be our last for high school , but I'm sure IUS will require a trip or two next year. Madeleine is a 6th grader this year and she is ready to go. Her last year at Throop Elementary. Only our boys remain. I promised them a trip for boys only this week. In the first and second grades, they have lots of school years to prepare for. Caleb is not quite as enthused about the whole deal as we would wish. He seems to like freedom and play much better than learning. Or at least better than sitting and listening. He and Gavin are bright boys, quick to catch on the new concepts and they get along well with other kids. And can charm most adults into whatever they desire! To add to the fun day, Shawn and I took all the littles to see "The Smurfs" last night. It was a cute movie, so much less annoying than SpongeBob or even than the old TV show. After the movie Stephen King and I joined the kids at Trent and Nina's pool. An after dark swim was just the ticket after a hot busy day. So quiet down on the farm at night, just the stars and some heat lightening for company, we floated around quietly chatting. Gavin went to sleep in a floatie on Shay's lap. So peaceful.
This week brings another Riley visit for Mack, this one to the pulmonologist. Her lungs have responded well to the new antibiotic, but still inhibit her activity. A new kidney will help her breathe better by sending clean blood to those damaged lungs. The disease is dormant, just scar tissue remains in the lungs, so keeping the undamaged areas healthy is critical. We are waiting for the initial meeting of the transplant team, so we can start the family testing. So many have offered to donate if they match. Wonderful, caring people, family and friends plus a few strangers who have heard of Mack's need for a kidney.
Mom is healing well, better than expecting at her age. We will just keep doing what we are doing till they can start physical therapy in a couple of weeks. She has been a pleasant patient so far, but the PT may bring on more pain than she can graciously deal with. And that's OK, she deserves to complain a bit. She has always been a quiet, gracious lady and with this injury her biggest complaint is feeling guilty that she has to "bother" us girls. As if she hasn't devoted her whole life to taking care of her family... we are just paying our dues! It truly has been a pleasure to do for her. I hate to see her hurting and helpless, but I have loved being with her for all the hours, even sleeping in the big king bed beside her. Watching over her and making her comfortable makes me happy. I am so glad I have retired and can do this.
Talk tome ,Ladies. Love you all.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
VACATION
Week 2 begins with a thunder storm that catches me and the little ones on the road to Port St. Joe! It is quickly over though and the heat intensifies well into the 90s. We return to the house and collect the others for a trip to Appalachicola and St. George Island. Surrounded by such beauty in the land and seascapes, I am smiling with joy. The guys, Stephen King and son, returned to Indiana yesterday morning after a pretty pleasant week. Papaw settled into the groove of vaca after a day or so and enjoyed himself. He still finds no attraction with the ocean, preferring mountains, but was sweet to try.
Kenz hurt her foot in the pool and has hobbled around for 2 days, minimizing her discomfort and replying "fine" when asked how it feels, She attempts to keep a good spin on the whole trip. The translant is obviously on her mind, as she searches the internet for experiences from other organ recipients. I think she has resolved her qualms about the surgery and just wants to get it over with at this point. Hopefully, we will find a quick family match and put this behind us by fall. My prayers are for peace and good health for Mackenzie, she has been ill since she was 9 and has no memories of being an active little girl. A series of seizures a few years ago, took away most of her childhood memories.
Maddie has had a good time, quietly observing all the rest of us, playing with her daddy and Caleb in the water and demonstrating her own teenage angst! She turned 12 last week and is already having meltdowns which require slamming doors, silent stares and mouthy responces to adults. I'm amazed at some of her antics! She has always been so laid back it is funny to see her having normal reactions. I have a difficult time reprimanding her, we have waited so long for her to communicate her feelings. Didn't expect such strong feelings though! I realize some of this is the ADD and OCD along with her communication disorder and we should be redirecting her towards more appropriate behavior. How hard it is when the child is yours and not a client or student. I am encouraged by such typical adolescent actions from Madeleine.
Shayla is here with us, leaving the others behind. She was not about to let a Florida trip pass her by. She is showing some homesickness though, a little crying spell, lots of phone time, but overall, she is satisfied. Shay enjoys being with the cousins and grandparents wherever we are. She is up for the beach, the pool or shopping. She always volunteers for clean-up duty and will sleep on a rock if necessary with no complaint. This house feels smaller than some others we've rented, but everyone has had a good place to sleep. I insist on that when I rent. Sleep is important even on vacation.
We have had 2 days of rain with clear evenings. Maddie and I play pool volleyball til it is too dark to see, laughing everytime she serves over my head and I roll under the water. It is Tuesday morning and everyone but me is down by the pool soaking up rays, as much as 70 SPF allows! Of course, I have to avoid the direct sun and spend my time on 1 of the decks, reading and watching the kids and the waves. Yesterdays rain allowed me to hear the surf! Usually I try to sleep with my door or window open, but here Im in a room facing the road, not the water. :-(
The girls have planned on a mini-shopping trip this afternoon to Port St. Joe's boutiques. Mexico Beach has a nice little Life Is Good shop that we will visit too. I love the things from that company and have been eyeing a new tote. But really, do I need another totebag? But this one is striped in the colors of the sea! But didn't I just donate bags to Goodwill when I cleaned closets? I do not need another! But.....
Our car will be so full of people and luggage going home that our purchases are limited. Shayla and I will be riding with Shawn and the kids since the guys took my Jeep home. I want a large clay pot for my yard, but doubt if we can make room. I'm thinking a water feature from it to add alittle something to my back garden. Stephen King sent me pix of tomatoes from his garden last night! He has taken green beans, cabbages and cucumbers to my sister and Mom this week. I hope I don't miss all the good stuff! I intend to can tomatoes and freeze corn later. Stephen King raises great corn! Our tomatoes are usually a little iffy, for some reason. But there is nothing better than produce straight from the garden into the kitchen.
Shawn's mom and nephew are here this week, adding to our fun. Rosie is an old friend of ours and is so sweet and easy to be with. We have all been family for so long there are no uncomfortable moments, we just fit. She is a realtor and even in this economy her phone rings constantly, luckily we have poor reception on the Cape! I believe she is enjoying the break.
They are beginning to drift in for lunch, Caleb has eaten 3 bowls of cereal and 2 bagels and a bowl of strawberries! Nothing like an 8 year old boy to put away food.
Having another terrific day in paradise, wish you all were here.. Talk to me! Love
Kenz hurt her foot in the pool and has hobbled around for 2 days, minimizing her discomfort and replying "fine" when asked how it feels, She attempts to keep a good spin on the whole trip. The translant is obviously on her mind, as she searches the internet for experiences from other organ recipients. I think she has resolved her qualms about the surgery and just wants to get it over with at this point. Hopefully, we will find a quick family match and put this behind us by fall. My prayers are for peace and good health for Mackenzie, she has been ill since she was 9 and has no memories of being an active little girl. A series of seizures a few years ago, took away most of her childhood memories.
Maddie has had a good time, quietly observing all the rest of us, playing with her daddy and Caleb in the water and demonstrating her own teenage angst! She turned 12 last week and is already having meltdowns which require slamming doors, silent stares and mouthy responces to adults. I'm amazed at some of her antics! She has always been so laid back it is funny to see her having normal reactions. I have a difficult time reprimanding her, we have waited so long for her to communicate her feelings. Didn't expect such strong feelings though! I realize some of this is the ADD and OCD along with her communication disorder and we should be redirecting her towards more appropriate behavior. How hard it is when the child is yours and not a client or student. I am encouraged by such typical adolescent actions from Madeleine.
Shayla is here with us, leaving the others behind. She was not about to let a Florida trip pass her by. She is showing some homesickness though, a little crying spell, lots of phone time, but overall, she is satisfied. Shay enjoys being with the cousins and grandparents wherever we are. She is up for the beach, the pool or shopping. She always volunteers for clean-up duty and will sleep on a rock if necessary with no complaint. This house feels smaller than some others we've rented, but everyone has had a good place to sleep. I insist on that when I rent. Sleep is important even on vacation.
We have had 2 days of rain with clear evenings. Maddie and I play pool volleyball til it is too dark to see, laughing everytime she serves over my head and I roll under the water. It is Tuesday morning and everyone but me is down by the pool soaking up rays, as much as 70 SPF allows! Of course, I have to avoid the direct sun and spend my time on 1 of the decks, reading and watching the kids and the waves. Yesterdays rain allowed me to hear the surf! Usually I try to sleep with my door or window open, but here Im in a room facing the road, not the water. :-(
The girls have planned on a mini-shopping trip this afternoon to Port St. Joe's boutiques. Mexico Beach has a nice little Life Is Good shop that we will visit too. I love the things from that company and have been eyeing a new tote. But really, do I need another totebag? But this one is striped in the colors of the sea! But didn't I just donate bags to Goodwill when I cleaned closets? I do not need another! But.....
Our car will be so full of people and luggage going home that our purchases are limited. Shayla and I will be riding with Shawn and the kids since the guys took my Jeep home. I want a large clay pot for my yard, but doubt if we can make room. I'm thinking a water feature from it to add alittle something to my back garden. Stephen King sent me pix of tomatoes from his garden last night! He has taken green beans, cabbages and cucumbers to my sister and Mom this week. I hope I don't miss all the good stuff! I intend to can tomatoes and freeze corn later. Stephen King raises great corn! Our tomatoes are usually a little iffy, for some reason. But there is nothing better than produce straight from the garden into the kitchen.
Shawn's mom and nephew are here this week, adding to our fun. Rosie is an old friend of ours and is so sweet and easy to be with. We have all been family for so long there are no uncomfortable moments, we just fit. She is a realtor and even in this economy her phone rings constantly, luckily we have poor reception on the Cape! I believe she is enjoying the break.
They are beginning to drift in for lunch, Caleb has eaten 3 bowls of cereal and 2 bagels and a bowl of strawberries! Nothing like an 8 year old boy to put away food.
Having another terrific day in paradise, wish you all were here.. Talk to me! Love
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
62-- If You Say It Fast, It's Not So Bad!
Hi, I've always been an optimistic, cup half-full person,but this aging thing has been trying me. I won't give in though, promise! I have too much to look forward to from this point. Stephen King and I are easing into retirement and being together much more than we have for 25 years. He is attempting to make it easy for me to get settled into our new lifestyle, but I sometimes get into his routine and mess up his schedule. ie: cleaning up after meals, his 4 pm TV watching. He is a man of strong habits and has his method cut in stone, and I sometimes don't fit into my place! I can see him stop, process what is happening, try to adjust, and bend with the wind! Such a giant step for a man accustomed to having things his way! I think we will get along fine, even if the family has bets on how long before one of us moves out! hehehe.
As of now, Monday morning, we are leaving for Cape San Blas on Friday morning at 8:00. Nothing packed yet, we don't possess vaca clothes per se, just wear our regular things with the exception of swimsuits. We will include them, but it remains to be seen if they are worn. I'm a night time pool person and Stephen King doesn't care for pools or oceans, so they probably will not get out of the suitase. I did buy 2 pair of shorts for beach walking, my capris always end up wet. I am daring enough to take some tank tops and expose my fishbelly upper arms to the sun. Bystanders will be encouraged to look away! Between his white legs and my white arms, others may suffer blindness if they look directly at us! We love roadtrips and since he hasn't been to the area, Stephen King is anxious to get started. He told Stephen we would leave them behind if they weren't up and ready when we take off. Luckily we have hotel reservatons for Friday night and the kids can travel at their own speed. We like to stop and look around small towns along the way, something the kids usually don't do on the way down. It is more of a challenge to round up 3 or 4 kids and get back on the road than it is 2 old geezers! And the kiddos are seldom interested in antique shops or historical markers.
Of course our garden is just coming on as we leave. Nina and Trent are put on harvest duty, I hope to have some green beans left to enjoy. The tomatoes, corn and peppers will be later so we will still have good stuff for August. This has proven to be a good garden season with all the rain and heat. Cabbage, broccoli and squash have tasted so good and fresh. I can give up meat during the summer without a doubt. Stephen King fried rabbit livers for his supper last night, I was happy with mashed potatoes and fresh garden cucumbers. Really, rabbit liver. Domestic bunnies, at that, as in Bugs Bunny and Peter Cottontail. Kinda like eating Hank or the cat twins, Hunk n Zeke. But that's just me. :-)
Heard from two of my Gaggle this week, Jill is retiring!!! I hope to spend some time in roadtrip adventureland with her. Alison is experiencing another annoying health issue! Doctors assure her it is common and easily dealt with, but poor Al has heard that before. I wish for an overnight with my girls to talk and laugh and cry this stuff out. Maybe later in July. Take care, Alison, we all love you.
Courtney has tested as a possible match for Mackenzie's transplant, but until the appointment on July 19 we won't really know the criteria for a match. Mack doesn't want to talk about it over vacation, so we won't. We are going to relax, laugh, swim, eat, shop, walk and see the sights. No serious, worrisome thoughts will be allowed. Sure it is denial, but what is wrong with that? We deal with issues and fears and threats everyday, we can take a couple of weeks off. I recommend it for everyone. Lighten up and live. Life is for our enjoyment and so much of our lives we do not take the time and conscious effort to enjoy it. God gave us the ability to experience joy, failing to do so is a shame. He wants His children to be happy. Enjoyment is not a sin. I want my kids and grandkids to remember the wonderful times we spent together, not how hard we worked.
Thursday is filled with appointments from the 7:30 AM dentist to the 9:45 doctor to the 2:00 haircut. I may be worn out on Friday morning, but I'll have teeth and good hair! I cannot tell you how much I enjoy a roadtrip. I can never sleep the night before. More than once, we have taken off in the middle of the night and driven straight through to our destination, unable to sleep, we might as well drive! Those days are in the past, now we leave a little later, stop often and get a room half way there. But the excitement of travel still remains.
I'll check in from the beach, Ladies. Wish you were here! Love
As of now, Monday morning, we are leaving for Cape San Blas on Friday morning at 8:00. Nothing packed yet, we don't possess vaca clothes per se, just wear our regular things with the exception of swimsuits. We will include them, but it remains to be seen if they are worn. I'm a night time pool person and Stephen King doesn't care for pools or oceans, so they probably will not get out of the suitase. I did buy 2 pair of shorts for beach walking, my capris always end up wet. I am daring enough to take some tank tops and expose my fishbelly upper arms to the sun. Bystanders will be encouraged to look away! Between his white legs and my white arms, others may suffer blindness if they look directly at us! We love roadtrips and since he hasn't been to the area, Stephen King is anxious to get started. He told Stephen we would leave them behind if they weren't up and ready when we take off. Luckily we have hotel reservatons for Friday night and the kids can travel at their own speed. We like to stop and look around small towns along the way, something the kids usually don't do on the way down. It is more of a challenge to round up 3 or 4 kids and get back on the road than it is 2 old geezers! And the kiddos are seldom interested in antique shops or historical markers.
Of course our garden is just coming on as we leave. Nina and Trent are put on harvest duty, I hope to have some green beans left to enjoy. The tomatoes, corn and peppers will be later so we will still have good stuff for August. This has proven to be a good garden season with all the rain and heat. Cabbage, broccoli and squash have tasted so good and fresh. I can give up meat during the summer without a doubt. Stephen King fried rabbit livers for his supper last night, I was happy with mashed potatoes and fresh garden cucumbers. Really, rabbit liver. Domestic bunnies, at that, as in Bugs Bunny and Peter Cottontail. Kinda like eating Hank or the cat twins, Hunk n Zeke. But that's just me. :-)
Heard from two of my Gaggle this week, Jill is retiring!!! I hope to spend some time in roadtrip adventureland with her. Alison is experiencing another annoying health issue! Doctors assure her it is common and easily dealt with, but poor Al has heard that before. I wish for an overnight with my girls to talk and laugh and cry this stuff out. Maybe later in July. Take care, Alison, we all love you.
Courtney has tested as a possible match for Mackenzie's transplant, but until the appointment on July 19 we won't really know the criteria for a match. Mack doesn't want to talk about it over vacation, so we won't. We are going to relax, laugh, swim, eat, shop, walk and see the sights. No serious, worrisome thoughts will be allowed. Sure it is denial, but what is wrong with that? We deal with issues and fears and threats everyday, we can take a couple of weeks off. I recommend it for everyone. Lighten up and live. Life is for our enjoyment and so much of our lives we do not take the time and conscious effort to enjoy it. God gave us the ability to experience joy, failing to do so is a shame. He wants His children to be happy. Enjoyment is not a sin. I want my kids and grandkids to remember the wonderful times we spent together, not how hard we worked.
Thursday is filled with appointments from the 7:30 AM dentist to the 9:45 doctor to the 2:00 haircut. I may be worn out on Friday morning, but I'll have teeth and good hair! I cannot tell you how much I enjoy a roadtrip. I can never sleep the night before. More than once, we have taken off in the middle of the night and driven straight through to our destination, unable to sleep, we might as well drive! Those days are in the past, now we leave a little later, stop often and get a room half way there. But the excitement of travel still remains.
I'll check in from the beach, Ladies. Wish you were here! Love
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
A NEW CHALLENGE
We received the phone call tonight that we have been expecting for 8 years; Mackenzie's kidney function has fallen to a critical range and the transplant procedure begins. Her kidneys are only functioning at 11%, much worse than we thought from her lab work. She is upset, angry, scared, mostly scared. Mack has very rare blood type, B-, only 3% of the population has this. But the donor doesn't necessarily need to have B-, just negative. That makes the odds of a match within the family better. I cannot donate because of the Lupus, Stephen King and her other grandmother are borderline too old and her other papaw has only one kidney, he donated the other to his younger brother years ago. Odd to have two people in the family needing transplants, but her uncle's disease was not the same as the Weggners which struck Mack. We all feel that Courtney will be the match and she is being tested today in OZ. The doctor thinks if we find a family donor, the surgery can take place in 2-3 months, so Mack could be recovering by the Holidays. A much better Holiday than last with Madeleine having her heart surgery in early December and both girls in Rileys for the whole Christmas break. We are blessed they had such good results then, but Christmas in a hospital stinks!
We were all at Stephen and Shawn's tonight for Caleb's 8th birthday party. The phone call put a damper on the festivities for a brief time, but we all knew we had to celebrate this sweet boy. He has been so excited about his big day that I took him to WalMart, yes me in that place, two weeks ago to pick out his gifts. He chose them, I purchased them, we took them home to a closet for safe keeping and he got them out tonight to open! He was so afraid that I wouldnt go back to WalMart, we had to get them then! He knows G-ma too well.
Our niece went into labor tonight with her 5th child, yes Elaine 5th, she has two biological children and two adopted from the Congo. This little one was a surprise. Their kids are 11, 8, 3 and 2. There is so much love in that home you can feel it from the street! We know little Owen will fit right in. They were hoping for a girl, but Liv will be the lone sister among those 4 boys. She thinks that's OK, it is good to be the only princess in the land.
Only 9 days left before we leave on vacation. After tonight, we are all even more excited about going. We relax and pretend the world isn't out there waiting while we laugh and play and eat and swim and enjoy the company of our family. I am so relieved to know that we have those 2 weeks to prepare ourselves for the next few months, they will be a challenge to all of us. Most of all our Mackenzie Rose. Please, pray for strength and grace to bless us. Talk to me. Love
We were all at Stephen and Shawn's tonight for Caleb's 8th birthday party. The phone call put a damper on the festivities for a brief time, but we all knew we had to celebrate this sweet boy. He has been so excited about his big day that I took him to WalMart, yes me in that place, two weeks ago to pick out his gifts. He chose them, I purchased them, we took them home to a closet for safe keeping and he got them out tonight to open! He was so afraid that I wouldnt go back to WalMart, we had to get them then! He knows G-ma too well.
Our niece went into labor tonight with her 5th child, yes Elaine 5th, she has two biological children and two adopted from the Congo. This little one was a surprise. Their kids are 11, 8, 3 and 2. There is so much love in that home you can feel it from the street! We know little Owen will fit right in. They were hoping for a girl, but Liv will be the lone sister among those 4 boys. She thinks that's OK, it is good to be the only princess in the land.
Only 9 days left before we leave on vacation. After tonight, we are all even more excited about going. We relax and pretend the world isn't out there waiting while we laugh and play and eat and swim and enjoy the company of our family. I am so relieved to know that we have those 2 weeks to prepare ourselves for the next few months, they will be a challenge to all of us. Most of all our Mackenzie Rose. Please, pray for strength and grace to bless us. Talk to me. Love
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
TIME
Hi Ladies, another Saturday almost over. The weekends fly by, don't they? Our guys are building decks today around the pools at each house. Stephen King tries to keep up with his sons as they both try to stay a step ahead of the old man. It is heart-warming to watch them all look out for each other. Shawn and I took the littles to see KungFoo Panda, another 3D adventure. They aren't made for adults, my eyes feel pulled out of socket watching through those glasses and my stomach turns with each scene change. I don't think the rocking chair in the theater helps either. G-ma loves a rocker, but really now in a theater?
Our Jill lost her mother again this week. I say again because the loss came a few years ago when Alzheimers struck this lively lady. I remember Jill talking about the changes she was seeing, the confusion, the crankiness, the strange person showing up in her mom's place. I remember thinking that they were losing her a little each day. The last year has been very difficult for Jill, her sister and father, as their loved one has been replaced by someone who doesn't recognise them or even herself.
My dad had several strokes in the years before he left us, and I thought then that my dad was not my dad anymore. So much that made him unique was taken with each incident, by the time he suffered the big stroke which would take his life, there was . I supposed Jill felt the same about her mom. My mother has early onset Alzheimers now, good days and bad days, you never know what you are getting. Mom is pretty good most days, cannot remember the day before, but ready for a new one. But somedays she sits on the couch in her pajamas and stares. She refuses to do anything, fussing when you attempt to make her eat or move. She seems to be lost, looking inside for something she had, but has misplaced. I wonder if she is looking for Dad or herself, maybe. Oh, she loses things, too; jewelry, purses, books, hearing aides and the notebook we check-in on as we visit her. This was to help her keep track of who had been there. It has been in the exact same spot for nearly 2 years, but it is gone. We checked everywhere in the house, garage, yes, even the trash. No sign of the notebook. She swept her 3 day old hearing aid off the breakfast table with the toast crumbs, into her napkin, and shook it into the garbage disposal one morning this week. Mom has always been tidy to the point of washing your cup with your lips still drinking from it. Tidyness cooked her goose this time. My daughter-in-law picked the aid from the disposal in tiny pieces after Mom complained of a noise in it. We are losing Mom but cherish each minute with her now. Jill reminds us to do that.
The weather is finally blessing us with real spring days of late. I love 75 and sunny. And that is what we have had this week. Storms brewing tonight and hazy, hot and humid returning for the weekend, but I am grateful for these right now. I've had my first at-home all day day. And I cleaned bookshelves. Now that doesn't sound like much, but you haven't seen my book shelves, probably. Books, mail, cards, fabric, nail polish, meds, pencils, sea shells, stones?, pictures, water glasses, eye glasses, coffee cups. And a few stale Fritos. But how clean and neat they are now. why at this rate my entire house will be clean before I turn 75. How do we amass so much? Paper, paper everywhere, I hate it. I think I will stop the mail delivery to our home, just cut it off before it gets here. Nip it in the bud! I read on a Kindle now, but still have books and more books, I overcame my magazine addiction(somewhat), but still they sneak in. I'm way behind in sending birthday cards, yet my sweet friends still honor me with their good wishes from Hallmark. We pay our bills online, still the utility companies send paper statements. Junk mail is trashed without opening, and the offers for weird items still fill our box. Paper, paper everywhere. OK, where was I?
Oh, by the way, it is now Tuesday evening and I have to run to the kitchen and pretend to be slaving over supper for Stephen King. He is at Trent's working on their new pool deck again. It is going to be such a nice addition to their home. He is much more conscientious about the daughters-in- law having finished products than he is for my projects, but that's fine. I am too, only the best for our girls, right?
Only 16 days until this group heads south and I'm getting antsy, Ladies. Talk to me.
Our Jill lost her mother again this week. I say again because the loss came a few years ago when Alzheimers struck this lively lady. I remember Jill talking about the changes she was seeing, the confusion, the crankiness, the strange person showing up in her mom's place. I remember thinking that they were losing her a little each day. The last year has been very difficult for Jill, her sister and father, as their loved one has been replaced by someone who doesn't recognise them or even herself.
My dad had several strokes in the years before he left us, and I thought then that my dad was not my dad anymore. So much that made him unique was taken with each incident, by the time he suffered the big stroke which would take his life, there was . I supposed Jill felt the same about her mom. My mother has early onset Alzheimers now, good days and bad days, you never know what you are getting. Mom is pretty good most days, cannot remember the day before, but ready for a new one. But somedays she sits on the couch in her pajamas and stares. She refuses to do anything, fussing when you attempt to make her eat or move. She seems to be lost, looking inside for something she had, but has misplaced. I wonder if she is looking for Dad or herself, maybe. Oh, she loses things, too; jewelry, purses, books, hearing aides and the notebook we check-in on as we visit her. This was to help her keep track of who had been there. It has been in the exact same spot for nearly 2 years, but it is gone. We checked everywhere in the house, garage, yes, even the trash. No sign of the notebook. She swept her 3 day old hearing aid off the breakfast table with the toast crumbs, into her napkin, and shook it into the garbage disposal one morning this week. Mom has always been tidy to the point of washing your cup with your lips still drinking from it. Tidyness cooked her goose this time. My daughter-in-law picked the aid from the disposal in tiny pieces after Mom complained of a noise in it. We are losing Mom but cherish each minute with her now. Jill reminds us to do that.
The weather is finally blessing us with real spring days of late. I love 75 and sunny. And that is what we have had this week. Storms brewing tonight and hazy, hot and humid returning for the weekend, but I am grateful for these right now. I've had my first at-home all day day. And I cleaned bookshelves. Now that doesn't sound like much, but you haven't seen my book shelves, probably. Books, mail, cards, fabric, nail polish, meds, pencils, sea shells, stones?, pictures, water glasses, eye glasses, coffee cups. And a few stale Fritos. But how clean and neat they are now. why at this rate my entire house will be clean before I turn 75. How do we amass so much? Paper, paper everywhere, I hate it. I think I will stop the mail delivery to our home, just cut it off before it gets here. Nip it in the bud! I read on a Kindle now, but still have books and more books, I overcame my magazine addiction(somewhat), but still they sneak in. I'm way behind in sending birthday cards, yet my sweet friends still honor me with their good wishes from Hallmark. We pay our bills online, still the utility companies send paper statements. Junk mail is trashed without opening, and the offers for weird items still fill our box. Paper, paper everywhere. OK, where was I?
Oh, by the way, it is now Tuesday evening and I have to run to the kitchen and pretend to be slaving over supper for Stephen King. He is at Trent's working on their new pool deck again. It is going to be such a nice addition to their home. He is much more conscientious about the daughters-in- law having finished products than he is for my projects, but that's fine. I am too, only the best for our girls, right?
Only 16 days until this group heads south and I'm getting antsy, Ladies. Talk to me.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
A New Beginning
As of yesterday, "I am retired." It feels strange to say that and I imagine come August it will feel stranger not to be among the workforce. Back to school has been such a part of my summers for so long, I wonder how it will be to not return. I hope to enjoy a nice long summer before finding out! I am excited for this summer despite the extreme heat we are experiencing. We have lots of plans for family trips, visits and home improvements. Stephen King is willing to take some short roadtrips with me to places we have visited before and even some new spots we have always wanted to see. Of course, a reduction in gas prices would help those trips be more frequent, but probably not gonna happen.
Our Mackenzie got the word from her nephrologist that we will be meeeting with the transplant team next visit to Riley Hospital. He assured her that doesn't mean a transplant is imminent, just sometime in the near future. We have all known this was coming, but just like Dr. Draper's "elephant in the room" we don't discuss a timeframe. Mack is showing some anger at this right now. She has handled her illness with dignity and poise for so long, but hasn't decided how to deal with this latest announcement. She is focusing on our Florida trip in July with so much eagerness, it cannot get here soon enough. She will be staying the whole two weeks this year. Last year her family had to leave after 8 days so Mom and Dad could return to work. Mom isn't working now and Dad will go back to Indiana with Stephen King after the first week. Yes, HE has decided he might just come along this time. Of course, that is subject to change!
The kids are doing well overall, the boys are growing into big guys, no sign of babyness left there at all. They are full of themselves; Cabe is such a storyteller, I do believe he will write or be on stage and Gavin is a thinker, a questioner, asking "what if" about everything. I have always been partial to little boys and these two are no exception. They can just grin at me and I melt. Gavin is taking tennis lessons this month and I'm excited to see how that turns out. I'll be taking him a few days and plan to stay and watch him learn. He is alot like me and his dad, as children we were somewhat awkward physically. Clumsy, maybe in my case. Gavin is long limbed and tall and frequently gets tied up. Tennis will be good for him, I wish we had offered lessons to Trent at his age. Caleb is playing baseball this summer, but spends most of his time talking to his team mates or the fans in the stands. Is there anything cuter than a first grader in a catcher's mask? He has to take it off to talk, it is so big on him. At that age, games are entertainment not competion. I laugh through all 7 innings.
Madeleine is growing up too, she is moody and becoming a preteen. Scary! Her silence is deeper, but not as frequent, she argues now, a new thing for her. And must have the last word, even though it is usually said under her breathe while she glares. Where did sweet Maddie go? I always assumed she would not be as affected by teen angst...wrong, Gma, wrong. She followed her dad up a 35 foot ladder to the roof of their 2 story house last week. Stephen in his work boots, Madd in her flipflops, Stephen wearing safety harness, Madd wearing her glasses! She is so quiet, he had no idea she was behind him until he stepped on the roof and looked around. Smiling her smirky grin, Maddie says, "I'm going to help you, Daddy". Now, our oldest is a big man, 6"7' but he is afraid of heights and chickens (no chickens on the roof, thank goodness) and he about fell off when he saw her standing at the top of that ladder. It ended well with no injuries and was so typical of Maddie. The child has no fear. Heart surgeries, heights, even chickens can't slow her down.
A lot of my time will now be spent with Mom. She is a surprise every day. Some days she answers the phone sounding like Mom, other days she is someone we do not recognise, old, confused and scared. Mostly good days though! My sister and I will divide up duties, as well as spend time together with Mom, the three amigos. We were inseparble when our kids were growing up, doing everything as a group. Our brother, Rob, wa a surprise baby and is only 10 months older than Stephen, so all three of us had kids together. Rob, Stephen, Trent, Josh, Courtney, Stori, Joe and then later Michael. Our sister-in-law, Carol was always there, too with her babes. We were blessed to all be so close. The cousins are more like siblings and continue their relationships as adults. Courtney's move to Australia and Joe's to Chicago have made it a little difficullt, but with email and FaceBook, they chat frequently. They are all parents themselves now, except Court and Michael, the older grandkids babysit for the younger. Family is precious.
My last week of work was strangly surreal - almost as if I were already gone. I just felt tired, not real emotional at all. I'm taking that as a sign I am ready to be done with it. The work, the politics, the complaints, the tears, and the laughs, the inside jokes, the practical jokes, the caring and the kids. I've done my best to help where I could, and offer support, rational thinking and the truth to all I served. I will miss the kids, my co-workers and the everyday routine. But I know I will continue the relationships I have with those who matter most to me.
I do want to make a swing through the noth to see you all in your environment soon. Just give me time to setttle. Talk to me, Ladies.
Our Mackenzie got the word from her nephrologist that we will be meeeting with the transplant team next visit to Riley Hospital. He assured her that doesn't mean a transplant is imminent, just sometime in the near future. We have all known this was coming, but just like Dr. Draper's "elephant in the room" we don't discuss a timeframe. Mack is showing some anger at this right now. She has handled her illness with dignity and poise for so long, but hasn't decided how to deal with this latest announcement. She is focusing on our Florida trip in July with so much eagerness, it cannot get here soon enough. She will be staying the whole two weeks this year. Last year her family had to leave after 8 days so Mom and Dad could return to work. Mom isn't working now and Dad will go back to Indiana with Stephen King after the first week. Yes, HE has decided he might just come along this time. Of course, that is subject to change!
The kids are doing well overall, the boys are growing into big guys, no sign of babyness left there at all. They are full of themselves; Cabe is such a storyteller, I do believe he will write or be on stage and Gavin is a thinker, a questioner, asking "what if" about everything. I have always been partial to little boys and these two are no exception. They can just grin at me and I melt. Gavin is taking tennis lessons this month and I'm excited to see how that turns out. I'll be taking him a few days and plan to stay and watch him learn. He is alot like me and his dad, as children we were somewhat awkward physically. Clumsy, maybe in my case. Gavin is long limbed and tall and frequently gets tied up. Tennis will be good for him, I wish we had offered lessons to Trent at his age. Caleb is playing baseball this summer, but spends most of his time talking to his team mates or the fans in the stands. Is there anything cuter than a first grader in a catcher's mask? He has to take it off to talk, it is so big on him. At that age, games are entertainment not competion. I laugh through all 7 innings.
Madeleine is growing up too, she is moody and becoming a preteen. Scary! Her silence is deeper, but not as frequent, she argues now, a new thing for her. And must have the last word, even though it is usually said under her breathe while she glares. Where did sweet Maddie go? I always assumed she would not be as affected by teen angst...wrong, Gma, wrong. She followed her dad up a 35 foot ladder to the roof of their 2 story house last week. Stephen in his work boots, Madd in her flipflops, Stephen wearing safety harness, Madd wearing her glasses! She is so quiet, he had no idea she was behind him until he stepped on the roof and looked around. Smiling her smirky grin, Maddie says, "I'm going to help you, Daddy". Now, our oldest is a big man, 6"7' but he is afraid of heights and chickens (no chickens on the roof, thank goodness) and he about fell off when he saw her standing at the top of that ladder. It ended well with no injuries and was so typical of Maddie. The child has no fear. Heart surgeries, heights, even chickens can't slow her down.
A lot of my time will now be spent with Mom. She is a surprise every day. Some days she answers the phone sounding like Mom, other days she is someone we do not recognise, old, confused and scared. Mostly good days though! My sister and I will divide up duties, as well as spend time together with Mom, the three amigos. We were inseparble when our kids were growing up, doing everything as a group. Our brother, Rob, wa a surprise baby and is only 10 months older than Stephen, so all three of us had kids together. Rob, Stephen, Trent, Josh, Courtney, Stori, Joe and then later Michael. Our sister-in-law, Carol was always there, too with her babes. We were blessed to all be so close. The cousins are more like siblings and continue their relationships as adults. Courtney's move to Australia and Joe's to Chicago have made it a little difficullt, but with email and FaceBook, they chat frequently. They are all parents themselves now, except Court and Michael, the older grandkids babysit for the younger. Family is precious.
My last week of work was strangly surreal - almost as if I were already gone. I just felt tired, not real emotional at all. I'm taking that as a sign I am ready to be done with it. The work, the politics, the complaints, the tears, and the laughs, the inside jokes, the practical jokes, the caring and the kids. I've done my best to help where I could, and offer support, rational thinking and the truth to all I served. I will miss the kids, my co-workers and the everyday routine. But I know I will continue the relationships I have with those who matter most to me.
I do want to make a swing through the noth to see you all in your environment soon. Just give me time to setttle. Talk to me, Ladies.
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