Let's have a moment of silent prayer for this being the shortest, mildest February ever. I do believe the past 3 months have been a sufficient notice of Who is in charge. "We get it, God. We will straighten up down here, promise."
Whenever the weather grows harsh, natural disasters happen or civil strife breaks out in the world, there are those who claim the world is coming to an end. Maybe, maybe not... No one knows for sure, no one can stop it if so, but why take a chance? God has set before us a list of rules for living. Kind of a Renter's List. We haven't abided by the list for the most part; polluting His air, water, soil, wiping out species after species of His animal kingdom, anihilating each other for centuries over color, creed, and religion, having false gods, such as Money, failing to honor our parents, lusting after our neighbors' wife, car, house, the list goes on and on. Little wonder we get edgy whenever it snows, we know we have it coming!
As a school kid in the 50s, I was so fearful of just about everything, but especially the End Of Time. I was certain each day might be our last. The Cold War years were a severe trial for me, WWIII would be an obvious way to end it all. Between my great-grandmother's fire and brimstone church and the nightly news, I cowered in bed each night praying for mercy.I was also terribly afraid of dogs, horses, carnival rides, but those are other stories.
As I've grown older and wiser, I've lost most of my fears. I can watch an electrical storm and feel confident I will not be struck by lightening. I can pet all dogs and horses without a racing heart. I've ridden more fast, spinning, dropping amusement park rides than I can count. I hate the idea of war and killing and human suffering, but I don't fear these things for myself anymore. I have faith that God knows my fate and will take care of me. Fear is the greatest crippler in life.
As far as this wild, cold weather goes, weather is a never ending cycle, out of our control. The planet we reside upon is old, older than dirt, so to speak. It has seen it all. Nothing is new to this sphere; earthquakes, cyclones, tsunamis, volcanos, floods have all been part of her past and will be part of her future. Our response should be to jump in and aid those affected by disaster, not whining. But right now, I wish for Spring.
We tend to ignore the fact that people are animals. Unless one is exposed to children before a snowstorm!! They become squirrels dropping from the trees, deer caught in the headlights staring blankly in response to any comment made by an adult, wild horses running in herds up and down the halls. Our first whole week back in school in 2011 was a jungle. We had cat fights, dope smokers, and meltdowns aplenty, food fights, weepy jocks, suicide threats and a 5 year old pulling the fire alarm...at lunch..in a rainstorm. Yes, we were back to a normal 5day school week. Animals, for sure.
All in all I have laughed more than cried this week. As my son says, "you can't make this stuff up". It happens, it is called life. I for one, wouldn't want to miss it. I wonder what I will be doing this time next year when I'm free. Will the house seem quiet and boring with just me and Stephen King? Can a few sheep and chickens replace 250 wild animals? I'm sure the Lord has His plans for my time, it will be interesting to find out what they are.
Gaggle, we just have to have a gathering this spring, I miss you all. I want to begin quilting in earnest this summer and make you all a miniature quilt to mark our friendship. My sister-in-law makes the most beautiful tiny doll quilts for her grandchild that I would love to try. Time and patience, neither of which I have now. But soon.
Next week looks to be cold and wet in southern Hoosierland, hope you all stay safe and warm. Hedy
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Wishing Away Winter
Is anyone else over this weather? I can generally tolerate some snow and a little wintery weather, but really! We might as well be living in Alaska this year. Except for the scary former governor, of course. Wait, we do have Mitch...equally scary, maybe. Oh, yeah, this is not a political blog. Promise. It's just that I'm an old hippy-type and right-wingers scare me and I'm a touchy, feely social worker and meanness bothers me. Stepping off the soapbox now.
This was the year I was going to forego my SpringBreak trip South. But really, not after these temperatures and that amount of snow. I need the sun, for medical reasons. I'm sure my docs would prescribe a trip to warm sunny climes if pressed. I have never suffered from SDA, but can now say I really understand those who do. Gray is just not a good color for the environment, even with a base of deep white snow. The sun is life giving, promising, warming. Humans don't operate well without sun in their life. Hearts slow to barely life-sustaining rates, moods plummet to soul-wrenching depths. The sun has the power to raise moods, hopes and inspire happy thoughts. Even the milky white haze of the sun through clouds is enpough to make us smile and feel better. The blinding glare of the sun on all this snow brings on giddiness or the rare times we've seen it.
Our girls are doing well this week. It is a week by week thing for Mackenzie, I'm afraid. The medication which they are going with for the lungs will undoubtedly cause more damage to the kidneys, but does and amazing job on her breathing. The docs tell us the kidneys are goners and we have to save the lungs. Such an extreme trade-off. Maddie is back to being Maddie! Homework is something she will avoid at all costs and she is not above "forgetting" to bring it home. Not a habit we want her to develop. She is very strong willed and her communication disorder complicates so many areas of her life. Being ill has given her an unfair advantage over the adults recently!
Our house was stricken by the stomach bug this week; Stephen King looked at me like I had brought in the plague everytime he rushed to the bathroom! Middle schoolers are so good about sharing, they want everyone to have what they have, and all 250 of them shared with me. Oh My. We had a very successful first semester, academically speaking here in the Valley. All involved have kicked it up a notch; students and teachers alike. I am proud to see so many Top Hawks recognized with a day at our local water park. Nearly 50% celebrated one afternoon when we returned to school after Christmas break. We award MVP t-shirts to the most enthusiastic student in each department every semester and this time I had to order 39 shirts. Love celebrating/acknowledging learning!
I'm wishing my life away, to quote my Mom, but I do wish this school year was over. I suppose it is because of my illness and knowing I'm retiring, but I feel as if I have nothing else to contribute here. I hate the thought of leaving, yet feel as if I'm already gone. Maybe just "senioritise". Maybe an attempt to protect myself from the pain of separating from a life I've lived for 20 years.
There is so much to do. With each day, I think of more and more that has to be done before I can walk away and leave this to someone else. Ending a job is almost as full of "to dos" as beginning one! I remember having a list of things for every month my first year. Things that only happen once a year, but have to be done EVERY year. After all this time they are done without thinking, but whoever replaces me will need to know what, how and when of each activity. And we all know, I love lists! I use the same journal to make lists of holiday menus, birthday presents, Christmas lists, etc. It is amusing to go back and see how little by little our families taste in food changed, our kids interests evolved and technology zoomed ahead. For example; Christmas 2000 Shayla got a CD player, fast forward to Christmas 2009 Shay got a laptop, Christmas 2010 Maddie got an ipod Touch. Our food preferences went from years of Christmas turkey to a standing rib the last few years. My lists have marked the coming and going of loved ones and "not loved anymore" ones, of stilled loved and missed. Courtney has chosen Australia as home and hasn't spent Holidays with us, so we make do and celebrate each day she is here. One day her Ken will join her in a visit and our family gatherings will grow again. We have been so blessed to have the kids close and with technology, we don't feel the distance to OZ quite like we might have 20 years ago.
OK, back to lists... I make a list most mornings. I get such satisfaction when I can check off item after item of completed chores! Or in reality, at least 1 thing from a 50 item list. Lists are my tool for organizing my life; I cannot start a project, a big meal, a trip, a DAY without a list. Making a list pulls my random thoughts together and lays out the plan of action. Do this, then that, proceed on to the other. Ahhh, Bliss when a list is complete.
Excuse me, break is over... my list says Time to find the misssing locker key, check on Billy Bob's homework and make sure all the Lists have been recorded. HEHEHE! Enjoy your weekend, Everyone.
This was the year I was going to forego my SpringBreak trip South. But really, not after these temperatures and that amount of snow. I need the sun, for medical reasons. I'm sure my docs would prescribe a trip to warm sunny climes if pressed. I have never suffered from SDA, but can now say I really understand those who do. Gray is just not a good color for the environment, even with a base of deep white snow. The sun is life giving, promising, warming. Humans don't operate well without sun in their life. Hearts slow to barely life-sustaining rates, moods plummet to soul-wrenching depths. The sun has the power to raise moods, hopes and inspire happy thoughts. Even the milky white haze of the sun through clouds is enpough to make us smile and feel better. The blinding glare of the sun on all this snow brings on giddiness or the rare times we've seen it.
Our girls are doing well this week. It is a week by week thing for Mackenzie, I'm afraid. The medication which they are going with for the lungs will undoubtedly cause more damage to the kidneys, but does and amazing job on her breathing. The docs tell us the kidneys are goners and we have to save the lungs. Such an extreme trade-off. Maddie is back to being Maddie! Homework is something she will avoid at all costs and she is not above "forgetting" to bring it home. Not a habit we want her to develop. She is very strong willed and her communication disorder complicates so many areas of her life. Being ill has given her an unfair advantage over the adults recently!
Our house was stricken by the stomach bug this week; Stephen King looked at me like I had brought in the plague everytime he rushed to the bathroom! Middle schoolers are so good about sharing, they want everyone to have what they have, and all 250 of them shared with me. Oh My. We had a very successful first semester, academically speaking here in the Valley. All involved have kicked it up a notch; students and teachers alike. I am proud to see so many Top Hawks recognized with a day at our local water park. Nearly 50% celebrated one afternoon when we returned to school after Christmas break. We award MVP t-shirts to the most enthusiastic student in each department every semester and this time I had to order 39 shirts. Love celebrating/acknowledging learning!
I'm wishing my life away, to quote my Mom, but I do wish this school year was over. I suppose it is because of my illness and knowing I'm retiring, but I feel as if I have nothing else to contribute here. I hate the thought of leaving, yet feel as if I'm already gone. Maybe just "senioritise". Maybe an attempt to protect myself from the pain of separating from a life I've lived for 20 years.
There is so much to do. With each day, I think of more and more that has to be done before I can walk away and leave this to someone else. Ending a job is almost as full of "to dos" as beginning one! I remember having a list of things for every month my first year. Things that only happen once a year, but have to be done EVERY year. After all this time they are done without thinking, but whoever replaces me will need to know what, how and when of each activity. And we all know, I love lists! I use the same journal to make lists of holiday menus, birthday presents, Christmas lists, etc. It is amusing to go back and see how little by little our families taste in food changed, our kids interests evolved and technology zoomed ahead. For example; Christmas 2000 Shayla got a CD player, fast forward to Christmas 2009 Shay got a laptop, Christmas 2010 Maddie got an ipod Touch. Our food preferences went from years of Christmas turkey to a standing rib the last few years. My lists have marked the coming and going of loved ones and "not loved anymore" ones, of stilled loved and missed. Courtney has chosen Australia as home and hasn't spent Holidays with us, so we make do and celebrate each day she is here. One day her Ken will join her in a visit and our family gatherings will grow again. We have been so blessed to have the kids close and with technology, we don't feel the distance to OZ quite like we might have 20 years ago.
OK, back to lists... I make a list most mornings. I get such satisfaction when I can check off item after item of completed chores! Or in reality, at least 1 thing from a 50 item list. Lists are my tool for organizing my life; I cannot start a project, a big meal, a trip, a DAY without a list. Making a list pulls my random thoughts together and lays out the plan of action. Do this, then that, proceed on to the other. Ahhh, Bliss when a list is complete.
Excuse me, break is over... my list says Time to find the misssing locker key, check on Billy Bob's homework and make sure all the Lists have been recorded. HEHEHE! Enjoy your weekend, Everyone.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
FUN AND GAMES OR SMOKE AND MIRRORS???
Just gotta love being back to work and realizing it never changes! Each evening I pray for a better tomorrow. Most days are a repeat of the one before or are even crazier, somehow. Maybe it is time I stop hanging out with the middle school kids. Maybe it is them not me. I have loved my job from day one, even though 12-15 year olds were not my favorite aged people. I found a home with them and realized they were OK. But keeping up with them at 60+ is different than when I was 40. THEY WEAR ME OUT! Physically, mentally and emotionally...especially emotionally. Only 220 more days and I'm out.
Our girls are doing better. Both have returned to school and appear to be as near to normal as possible. Mackenzie has an appointment with her doctors on Thursday, so we will know more then. She would love to finish her junior year before a transplant. Hopefully, that will be the way it goes for her. Mack has a very stoic attitude towards her health. She remains both optimistic and realistic, living day by day with faith that she will be fine. I admire her so much for being able to hold fast to her faith when I am so full of questions and concerns about her future. She has her dress picked out for Prom, just needs Mom's approval. It is so hard to imagine that our little redhead is nearly 17 and will be going to lots of Proms and dances and parties in the coming years. Grandma has wonderful memories of Tea Parties with Mack and Shay wearing aprons and setting the tea table with fresh picked flowers. They would drink tiny cups of milk flavored with a teeny bit of tea and sugar, tiny cookie and fruit slices. Sometimes there were fancy hats involved and high heeled shoes! Funny how tea parties were never something I did with Madeleine. While Mack and Shayla would pretend to be fancy grown-up ladies, Maddie would look at me and ask for just cookies and milk. She sees everything in concrete and has little patience for imaging. I've made numerous attempts to engage her with Fairy Stories. But she looks at me and says, "No thanks". She tries to be kind in her rejection of my ideas, but secretly rolls her eyes at my silliness. Maddie is a special blessing to all of us.
Southern Indiana has had its share of weather issues this winter. We are waiting for the latest snow storm to blast through here on Thursday. The students are jumpy are cats, anticipating snow-days, sleeping in and playing in the cold, wet stuff. Teaching is morphed into herding during these days. It takes only a snap to set one of them off on a fork-wielding tirade against someone talking across the lunch table. Another tosses orange peeling and cherry juice over his buddy, "just for fun". The girls are the real challenge, throwing LOOKS at everyone; friend and enemy alike. No one likes the LOOKS, especially the adults in charge. Reasoning with someone who has the power to LOOK at you is a task for a super hero, not a mere mortal. I spend as much time counseling and consoling teachers as I do students. I'm getting the cape! A nice big one to hide from the world, Black with Queen of the World in big letters.
When I am QOW, things will be different. Everyone...everyone from insurance clerks to special education co-op staff will do his/her job. Just the job, no more no less. I do believe if we all just did what we are hired to do the world would revolve on a much better axis. Who is that person who fails to notice the signature form has been completed and the boxes all have the appropriate checks in them? Sorry, the cold, gray weather has me grouchy. Or something. I am sure my doctor will cheer me up tomorrow when he explains how much improved his meds have made me! Or else explains again why nausea is to be expected with chemo, "it shows it's working". Or not.
I am looking past this trial of weather, wild kids, poor health towards Spring. It will return and we will celebrate. Green leaves, grass, and blooms. Hang in there, everyone. Hedy
Our girls are doing better. Both have returned to school and appear to be as near to normal as possible. Mackenzie has an appointment with her doctors on Thursday, so we will know more then. She would love to finish her junior year before a transplant. Hopefully, that will be the way it goes for her. Mack has a very stoic attitude towards her health. She remains both optimistic and realistic, living day by day with faith that she will be fine. I admire her so much for being able to hold fast to her faith when I am so full of questions and concerns about her future. She has her dress picked out for Prom, just needs Mom's approval. It is so hard to imagine that our little redhead is nearly 17 and will be going to lots of Proms and dances and parties in the coming years. Grandma has wonderful memories of Tea Parties with Mack and Shay wearing aprons and setting the tea table with fresh picked flowers. They would drink tiny cups of milk flavored with a teeny bit of tea and sugar, tiny cookie and fruit slices. Sometimes there were fancy hats involved and high heeled shoes! Funny how tea parties were never something I did with Madeleine. While Mack and Shayla would pretend to be fancy grown-up ladies, Maddie would look at me and ask for just cookies and milk. She sees everything in concrete and has little patience for imaging. I've made numerous attempts to engage her with Fairy Stories. But she looks at me and says, "No thanks". She tries to be kind in her rejection of my ideas, but secretly rolls her eyes at my silliness. Maddie is a special blessing to all of us.
Southern Indiana has had its share of weather issues this winter. We are waiting for the latest snow storm to blast through here on Thursday. The students are jumpy are cats, anticipating snow-days, sleeping in and playing in the cold, wet stuff. Teaching is morphed into herding during these days. It takes only a snap to set one of them off on a fork-wielding tirade against someone talking across the lunch table. Another tosses orange peeling and cherry juice over his buddy, "just for fun". The girls are the real challenge, throwing LOOKS at everyone; friend and enemy alike. No one likes the LOOKS, especially the adults in charge. Reasoning with someone who has the power to LOOK at you is a task for a super hero, not a mere mortal. I spend as much time counseling and consoling teachers as I do students. I'm getting the cape! A nice big one to hide from the world, Black with Queen of the World in big letters.
When I am QOW, things will be different. Everyone...everyone from insurance clerks to special education co-op staff will do his/her job. Just the job, no more no less. I do believe if we all just did what we are hired to do the world would revolve on a much better axis. Who is that person who fails to notice the signature form has been completed and the boxes all have the appropriate checks in them? Sorry, the cold, gray weather has me grouchy. Or something. I am sure my doctor will cheer me up tomorrow when he explains how much improved his meds have made me! Or else explains again why nausea is to be expected with chemo, "it shows it's working". Or not.
I am looking past this trial of weather, wild kids, poor health towards Spring. It will return and we will celebrate. Green leaves, grass, and blooms. Hang in there, everyone. Hedy
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
NEW YEAR.....ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! WE ARE BACK FROM OUR SELF IMPOSED BLOGGING BREAK. Actually the break wasn't so much self-imposed as my body forced me into it. I spent September and October in bed with a severe Lupus flare up and an infection in my head. Back to work part-time in November and in December our grand daughter's kept us in Riley Childrens Hospital. Happy to report we all are doing much better; I'm back full-time, Mack is back to school and Madeleine is home re-cuperating. I'm retiring at the end of this school year, so if I can make it for 18 more weeks, we are good!
Madeleine had to have open heart surgery on the 3rd and was home on the 8th. The next week went well for her and then she developed pneumonia. Shawn took Mackenzie along for a visit with her pulmonologist and she was admitted, along with Maddie. Maddie had turned out to be a collection of blood in the bottom of her lung and under went another surgery to remove that. A painful ordeal for her and she was slow in recovering. Mack was given breathing treatments and IV antibiotics for 9 days. She is remarkably improved. The disease appears to have progressed from her kidneys to her lungs, causing real breathing issues. She has labs each week to determine the status of her kidneys and a transplant is expected before too long. Her doctors are less optimistic than Mack is about this; she has surprized them for 8 years and plans on continuing!
Our other kiddos are terrific; Caleb, Gavin and Shayla are happy and healthy, PTL, to quote Mack. Caleb is a first grader who likes learning and likes sharing his thoughts even more. He continues to be like his father, a real story teller. His big, beautiful brown eyes have saved his hide more than once over some of his tales. Gavin, the wise one, loves kindergarten, makes friends easily and is knowing beyond his years. He has the vocabulary of an adult and is a joy to listen to. He is naive and innocent and loves the world. On the other hand, he can meltdown into a raging mess if crossed. Also a trait of his father's. Our beautiful grandsons are such a conglomeration of our sons, often displaying traits of dad, then uncle until we wonder who is who. Being with these two characters is a joy in my life.
Shayla is an adult now, at 22, she is a beautiful young woman. Quiet and loving, Shay's heart is as big as the world. She feels the pain of everyone and is the most caring person I know. She has been spending most of her winter with her other grandma, helping her with a bad hip. As long as Shay has her cellphone and ipod, she is a happy camper. She has worried herself to death over Maddie and Mack's illnesses, checking everyday for any news. She nurtures us all. I miss our Saturdays together and hope to get back to them asap. For now she is much too busy.
Our grandson, Joe, struggles with life, but we aren't giving up on him. Sometimes it takes a long while for us to grow up and into who we want to become. I have faith he will.
Stephen King continues to love retirement and fills his days with "piddling around". Never, ever boring, he claims. I hope to travel a bit when both of us are retired, but really don't know if he will have time. We are eating our way through all his canned and frozen goodies from the garden and he is planning the next one...fewer green beans and more tomatoes. His corn is fantastic, where did he learn to freeze it better that I can? Maybe I can learn from him next summer. I'm looking forward to having time for him and his hobbies.
Our mom has Alzheimers and has struggled alot this fall and winter. My sster is a blessing for her and I hope to be able to help them more with retirement. Life can be so hard sometimes we wonder why? For what purpose do illnesses like Alzheimers, kidney failure, heart defects, addiction and lupus strike? What can we learn from our suffering? Difficult questions to contemplate - impossible to answer.
I hope to use this blog to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones and discover some of those answers.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE MAY WE ALL BE A BLESSING TO SOME ONE.
Madeleine had to have open heart surgery on the 3rd and was home on the 8th. The next week went well for her and then she developed pneumonia. Shawn took Mackenzie along for a visit with her pulmonologist and she was admitted, along with Maddie. Maddie had turned out to be a collection of blood in the bottom of her lung and under went another surgery to remove that. A painful ordeal for her and she was slow in recovering. Mack was given breathing treatments and IV antibiotics for 9 days. She is remarkably improved. The disease appears to have progressed from her kidneys to her lungs, causing real breathing issues. She has labs each week to determine the status of her kidneys and a transplant is expected before too long. Her doctors are less optimistic than Mack is about this; she has surprized them for 8 years and plans on continuing!
Our other kiddos are terrific; Caleb, Gavin and Shayla are happy and healthy, PTL, to quote Mack. Caleb is a first grader who likes learning and likes sharing his thoughts even more. He continues to be like his father, a real story teller. His big, beautiful brown eyes have saved his hide more than once over some of his tales. Gavin, the wise one, loves kindergarten, makes friends easily and is knowing beyond his years. He has the vocabulary of an adult and is a joy to listen to. He is naive and innocent and loves the world. On the other hand, he can meltdown into a raging mess if crossed. Also a trait of his father's. Our beautiful grandsons are such a conglomeration of our sons, often displaying traits of dad, then uncle until we wonder who is who. Being with these two characters is a joy in my life.
Shayla is an adult now, at 22, she is a beautiful young woman. Quiet and loving, Shay's heart is as big as the world. She feels the pain of everyone and is the most caring person I know. She has been spending most of her winter with her other grandma, helping her with a bad hip. As long as Shay has her cellphone and ipod, she is a happy camper. She has worried herself to death over Maddie and Mack's illnesses, checking everyday for any news. She nurtures us all. I miss our Saturdays together and hope to get back to them asap. For now she is much too busy.
Our grandson, Joe, struggles with life, but we aren't giving up on him. Sometimes it takes a long while for us to grow up and into who we want to become. I have faith he will.
Stephen King continues to love retirement and fills his days with "piddling around". Never, ever boring, he claims. I hope to travel a bit when both of us are retired, but really don't know if he will have time. We are eating our way through all his canned and frozen goodies from the garden and he is planning the next one...fewer green beans and more tomatoes. His corn is fantastic, where did he learn to freeze it better that I can? Maybe I can learn from him next summer. I'm looking forward to having time for him and his hobbies.
Our mom has Alzheimers and has struggled alot this fall and winter. My sster is a blessing for her and I hope to be able to help them more with retirement. Life can be so hard sometimes we wonder why? For what purpose do illnesses like Alzheimers, kidney failure, heart defects, addiction and lupus strike? What can we learn from our suffering? Difficult questions to contemplate - impossible to answer.
I hope to use this blog to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones and discover some of those answers.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE MAY WE ALL BE A BLESSING TO SOME ONE.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
SUMMERTIME!!!
Hello Ladies,
Our long awaited vacation is behind us now, but it was wonderful. All the kiddos enjoyed themselves, as did all the adults. It was good to have our 3 kids together in the same house for a few days. Stephen and family had been there for a week so they had to leave 2 days after Trent and Courtney arrived, but we had a terrific weekend. Spending 2 weeks felt right, we had no hurry to get things done, see all the sites or spend time on the beach. We had time enough for it all. Not that we wouldn't have stayed all summer if possible!! We were so blessed that no oil showed up while we were there. The beach and ocean were clear and beautiful. The Bay was a biology lab with a multitude of sea creatures, just waiting to be found. I discovered and picked up a Horseshoe Crab (with my flipflop) An amazing creature. The grandson was so impressed with G-ma.
Courtney had flown home on the weekend we left Indiana and spent some time with Stori and her family and her Dad. No, we couldn't talk Stephen King into going on vaca with us. He has a fear of grandchildren in the same house for extended periods of time!!! Court and Trent came down on Friday of our 1st week in Cape San Blas. It was so good to see her after 8 months. She looks great, so happy with her life in Oz. But she was glad to get home to us, too. She had a blast with the grandkids and her brothers. Romping in the ocean with Madeleine every evening was a highlight, I think. Of course, picking on Mom was the theme of the trip, making fun of the person who gave them life has always been a favorite passtime of our kids. Good thing I'm easy going or heads would roll!!
I got my first real tan since my teen years. I could not avoid the sunshine. I used plenty of sunscreen, but still managed a nice golden glow. Now I'm peeling, of course. But I looked healthy for awhile! :-). I had forgotten how much fun and relaxation the ocean provides, riding the waves or just floating around is such a tension reliever. Loved every minute of it. All the kiddos except Mackenzie and sea lovers. She prefers the pool with its lack of living things to touch her! Mack discovered the joy of tourists' shops while there. Each evening she would load up the car with her sibs, cousin and Allie, her friend who went with us and head of to the shop down the road. Driving is a new obsession for Mack. She is a good, safe driver, but has some trouble seeing over the hood of some vehicles. She is a tiny 4' 10" 16 year old. People point and laugh when she gets out of the driver's seat of her Mom's SUV. The red hair and freckles add to the little girl look, too. She is a joy though.
We discovered cute little shops in Appalachiacola and Port St. Joe. Courtney was taken by "Books N Purl" the knitting/book shop and the girls and I loved :The Green Door", a home decor shop with the perfect accessories in it. We ate at many good restaurants from the Wise Owl to JoMommas Pizza. And we cooked some great meals at the house, too. But it is over and now we are back to our real lives, which are pretty good, too!!! It is nice to be at home doing all the little things I've left unattended all winter. Nina cleans my house and so I can do the other chores the need done. New curtains, scrubbed porches, tending flowers. All the easier things. I'm trying to see Mom everyday now that I'm not working. She is rapidly losing memory and we spend more and more time with her. Don't know how much longer she can stay alone at night. We have ideas of how to handle that, but haven't had to yet, Thank God. She loves her independence. Keep us in your prayers, Girls.
I cannot wait to see you al at Anna's wedding. Imagine; our last little goose getting married! Sweet. See you in a few days. Love, Hedy
Our long awaited vacation is behind us now, but it was wonderful. All the kiddos enjoyed themselves, as did all the adults. It was good to have our 3 kids together in the same house for a few days. Stephen and family had been there for a week so they had to leave 2 days after Trent and Courtney arrived, but we had a terrific weekend. Spending 2 weeks felt right, we had no hurry to get things done, see all the sites or spend time on the beach. We had time enough for it all. Not that we wouldn't have stayed all summer if possible!! We were so blessed that no oil showed up while we were there. The beach and ocean were clear and beautiful. The Bay was a biology lab with a multitude of sea creatures, just waiting to be found. I discovered and picked up a Horseshoe Crab (with my flipflop) An amazing creature. The grandson was so impressed with G-ma.
Courtney had flown home on the weekend we left Indiana and spent some time with Stori and her family and her Dad. No, we couldn't talk Stephen King into going on vaca with us. He has a fear of grandchildren in the same house for extended periods of time!!! Court and Trent came down on Friday of our 1st week in Cape San Blas. It was so good to see her after 8 months. She looks great, so happy with her life in Oz. But she was glad to get home to us, too. She had a blast with the grandkids and her brothers. Romping in the ocean with Madeleine every evening was a highlight, I think. Of course, picking on Mom was the theme of the trip, making fun of the person who gave them life has always been a favorite passtime of our kids. Good thing I'm easy going or heads would roll!!
I got my first real tan since my teen years. I could not avoid the sunshine. I used plenty of sunscreen, but still managed a nice golden glow. Now I'm peeling, of course. But I looked healthy for awhile! :-). I had forgotten how much fun and relaxation the ocean provides, riding the waves or just floating around is such a tension reliever. Loved every minute of it. All the kiddos except Mackenzie and sea lovers. She prefers the pool with its lack of living things to touch her! Mack discovered the joy of tourists' shops while there. Each evening she would load up the car with her sibs, cousin and Allie, her friend who went with us and head of to the shop down the road. Driving is a new obsession for Mack. She is a good, safe driver, but has some trouble seeing over the hood of some vehicles. She is a tiny 4' 10" 16 year old. People point and laugh when she gets out of the driver's seat of her Mom's SUV. The red hair and freckles add to the little girl look, too. She is a joy though.
We discovered cute little shops in Appalachiacola and Port St. Joe. Courtney was taken by "Books N Purl" the knitting/book shop and the girls and I loved :The Green Door", a home decor shop with the perfect accessories in it. We ate at many good restaurants from the Wise Owl to JoMommas Pizza. And we cooked some great meals at the house, too. But it is over and now we are back to our real lives, which are pretty good, too!!! It is nice to be at home doing all the little things I've left unattended all winter. Nina cleans my house and so I can do the other chores the need done. New curtains, scrubbed porches, tending flowers. All the easier things. I'm trying to see Mom everyday now that I'm not working. She is rapidly losing memory and we spend more and more time with her. Don't know how much longer she can stay alone at night. We have ideas of how to handle that, but haven't had to yet, Thank God. She loves her independence. Keep us in your prayers, Girls.
I cannot wait to see you al at Anna's wedding. Imagine; our last little goose getting married! Sweet. See you in a few days. Love, Hedy
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Anna's Shower
Hello All, I had such a nice visit with Anna, Janelle, Kirstie and Little Kendra yesterday at the wedding shower. We missed you all, wasn't a Gaggle without you. Truthfully, I was dreading the drive, but the weather was great, I found a Classic Rock station out of Indy and the 3 1/2 hours flew by. And holding Little Kendra made the road time worth it. Ladies, she is precious. I had in mind a baby with dark hair and flashing dark eyes like her Momma, but instead Little Kendra is fair and blue-eyed with medium brown hair. Looks alot like Daddy, too. Such a doll baby. She snuggled against my chest like she belonged there. So sweet. She made me feel like I was Grandma Hedy for sure. Kirstie and Pat appear to have a pleasant, good natured daughter, lucky parents! I love having another little goose to watch grow up.
Oh, yeah. Anna was there, too. Hehehe. Sorry, Anna, Little Kendra about stoled the show. Anna's Mom, Grandma and aunts were there with other friends. It was nice to meet them all finally. I feel as if I know Grandma. We all sat on a cute screened in porch, that I'd love to have off my kitchen. Flowers everywhere and a weatherproof rug I wanted to roll up and take South. She was so sweet to have us all in her home. I'm looking forward to the wedding, Anna. I know, "we'll see what happens"! Anna's motto for the whole deal. We all know how she operates, leave everything till the last minute and still come through like a champ. "KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON"indeed, my girl. Janelle, is was so good to see you and catch up on all the Lady A and Miss Olivia stories. You just never change, you look just like you did the first day I saw you. What is your secret? I've probably waited too long to find out.
It is cool here today and rainy. Stephen King had a mussel-loading shooting match so I was home alone all day. I pieced a quilt top and back for a friends shower from some blocks I had. It will be a floor quilt, nothing bulky, just some 1940s style fabric to be used at home. I had to design the backing since I didn't quite have enough unbleached muslin to fit it. I made a large cross piece with muslin corners which I like quite well. Hope the new Momma does.
She is a wonderful young teacher in our middle school who was a student of mine. She and husband are doing an open-adoption where they have met the birth mom, gone to doctors appointments, seen the ultra sounds and will be there at delivery to meet their daughter. We are all excited for them, they are both special young people. Good, God-loving kids, wanting a child in their lives. She has gone with us on Spring Break for 3 years and is one of my dearest friends. I say a special prayer for her and the baby every night.
We need some nice warm sun in the Valley. Our garden is out, but not doing much in this cool weather. My flower garden is fantastic, though. Flowering bushes, perennials, grasses and roses are falling over themselves, heavy with color. Even my wisteria is covering the old iron fence I planted it behind last year and dripping purple clusters. I never dreamed it would flourish here. Aren't they southern plants? Stephen King leaned a cucumber trellis against the garage last fall, right where my sweet peas would climb up it. Now he can't move it for his cukes! I really love that my sweet peas will be up off the ground this spring. I always drive around hunting sweet peas on my birthday, since that is their best blooming time. My brother, Rob, used to bring them for me, but he has moved to another house. Now I'll grow my own for little pitchers full of sweet flowers for days and days, all over my house. We have to take joy in the little things, Girls. Not wait for big prizes.
I hope Jill has a better week; her mom took a bad turn and she couldn't join us Saturday. But Jill told me today her mom rallied and is doing better. God Bless their family through this painful time. Elaine wasn't feeling up for the trip to Covington either. Hope your days get easier, Elaine. Second trimester is better and school will soon be out. Take some long naps this summer and enjoy your kids, that's an order from Mother Goose. I'll even make you a nap quilt to lie on outside under a tree for sweet summer naps. Take care of yourself, please. Angela and her kids were going in several directions this weekend, so we didn't get to see her, either. How do you keep up? Sam and Abbie have such busy schedules and you with the Poms and Dance, too. I'd lose my head or a kid if I tried that. I hope to see you at the wedding, Angela, it has been a long time. Of course, Alison's boys had ballgames! Good thing there are only 2 Reinholt boys to keep up with, Dad would have to give up coaching to follow his champs around the country. We missed you too, Lady.
I need to hit the kitchen and see if we can find some food. You all have a good week and Talk to me. Hedy
Oh, yeah. Anna was there, too. Hehehe. Sorry, Anna, Little Kendra about stoled the show. Anna's Mom, Grandma and aunts were there with other friends. It was nice to meet them all finally. I feel as if I know Grandma. We all sat on a cute screened in porch, that I'd love to have off my kitchen. Flowers everywhere and a weatherproof rug I wanted to roll up and take South. She was so sweet to have us all in her home. I'm looking forward to the wedding, Anna. I know, "we'll see what happens"! Anna's motto for the whole deal. We all know how she operates, leave everything till the last minute and still come through like a champ. "KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON"indeed, my girl. Janelle, is was so good to see you and catch up on all the Lady A and Miss Olivia stories. You just never change, you look just like you did the first day I saw you. What is your secret? I've probably waited too long to find out.
It is cool here today and rainy. Stephen King had a mussel-loading shooting match so I was home alone all day. I pieced a quilt top and back for a friends shower from some blocks I had. It will be a floor quilt, nothing bulky, just some 1940s style fabric to be used at home. I had to design the backing since I didn't quite have enough unbleached muslin to fit it. I made a large cross piece with muslin corners which I like quite well. Hope the new Momma does.
She is a wonderful young teacher in our middle school who was a student of mine. She and husband are doing an open-adoption where they have met the birth mom, gone to doctors appointments, seen the ultra sounds and will be there at delivery to meet their daughter. We are all excited for them, they are both special young people. Good, God-loving kids, wanting a child in their lives. She has gone with us on Spring Break for 3 years and is one of my dearest friends. I say a special prayer for her and the baby every night.
We need some nice warm sun in the Valley. Our garden is out, but not doing much in this cool weather. My flower garden is fantastic, though. Flowering bushes, perennials, grasses and roses are falling over themselves, heavy with color. Even my wisteria is covering the old iron fence I planted it behind last year and dripping purple clusters. I never dreamed it would flourish here. Aren't they southern plants? Stephen King leaned a cucumber trellis against the garage last fall, right where my sweet peas would climb up it. Now he can't move it for his cukes! I really love that my sweet peas will be up off the ground this spring. I always drive around hunting sweet peas on my birthday, since that is their best blooming time. My brother, Rob, used to bring them for me, but he has moved to another house. Now I'll grow my own for little pitchers full of sweet flowers for days and days, all over my house. We have to take joy in the little things, Girls. Not wait for big prizes.
I hope Jill has a better week; her mom took a bad turn and she couldn't join us Saturday. But Jill told me today her mom rallied and is doing better. God Bless their family through this painful time. Elaine wasn't feeling up for the trip to Covington either. Hope your days get easier, Elaine. Second trimester is better and school will soon be out. Take some long naps this summer and enjoy your kids, that's an order from Mother Goose. I'll even make you a nap quilt to lie on outside under a tree for sweet summer naps. Take care of yourself, please. Angela and her kids were going in several directions this weekend, so we didn't get to see her, either. How do you keep up? Sam and Abbie have such busy schedules and you with the Poms and Dance, too. I'd lose my head or a kid if I tried that. I hope to see you at the wedding, Angela, it has been a long time. Of course, Alison's boys had ballgames! Good thing there are only 2 Reinholt boys to keep up with, Dad would have to give up coaching to follow his champs around the country. We missed you too, Lady.
I need to hit the kitchen and see if we can find some food. You all have a good week and Talk to me. Hedy
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Spring, spring, spring
Hey Ladies, I wanted a fresh spring color for this posting, but you may not be able to read the aqua! This beautiful weather has brightened my mood 100%, after all the weekend rain, I was much in need of brightening. Things here in the Valley are going well. Stephen King has his garden out and the lawn looks like a magazine pix. It is so good to have a yardner in the house. Now we just need a maid. I haven't started Spring cleaning yet, waiting for the pollen to die down, or the rain to stop, any excuse, really. We have 19 new lambs and they are growing like weeds and filling the pastures with baabaabaa..
I'm still thinking of retirement, but the urgency has calmed to a managable level. A dear friend of mine has cancer and he spoke to me about not wasting my remaining years. That has forced me to think about what we want with our "golden years". My friend was retired only 3 years when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung cancer. His wife is my exact age, we share a birthday and so many similarities in thinking that we feel like twins separated at birth. His illness has responded well to treatment until recently. I truly believe he doesn't have long now. His last visit was difficult for both of us. At 60, my remaining years are limited, I know. Will Stephen King and I have time to do all the traveling we have always planned? Will I see my grandchildren grow into the fine adults I know they will become? Will I ever be thin again? OK, that last one isn't necessary or possible, but I had to lighten up! Really, we all need to consider the future. I know I'm Heaven bound when I die, but what about the years till then? There's the rub.
I'm working on this at work!!! Something I never do, but I have a few minutes before our next case conference and think I'll take advantage of some down time. We have so many incoming 6th graders with IEPs that I don't know how we will place them all in next year's schedule. And no we aren't finished scheduling yet, our admin is, "still making decisions". Hey, guess who gets to work all of July! Not really, but why can't they see these things before April? Do you have such issues? It is too late for this year, but next year I am only doing guidance. No admin, no discipline, no extra duties, no late nights, strictly guidance. Promise, hear me? I am! Pinky swear, cross my heart. How I don't know yet. :-(
I am so excited to see you all at Anna's shower. I do hope Kirstie is bringing Baby Mc. I can't wait to hold her. It has been so long since we have had a tiny one at home. A former student brought in her new 5 pounder, her 3rd in 2 years. Broke my heart. Another issue with work, broken hearts. I love hearing from you all on here, but Alison takes the cake! Al always lifts me with her cheery response, praising the weather snow or shine, sharing endearing things the boys have done or the joys of a farming/coaching wife. Alison, you should have your own blog. I'd love to make mine more interesting, but don't know how to share pictures or links to other good blogs. Maybe that will improve with retirement, too.
Time to go. Another lying parent will come in and try to convince us she is Mom of the Year. Sorry, that slipped out. I am attempting to find the positive side of everything each day. Some days are more challenging than others. And some days I get beaten down by it all. Others, I manage to see the goodness and love in everyone so easily and encourage them to keep up the good job they are doing. These days have been few in recent weeks. Maybe more me than them??? Pollyanna has had hers eyes opened for sure with this career.
See you all on the 15th. Enjoy the Merry Month of May till then. Talk to me. Love, Hedy
I'm still thinking of retirement, but the urgency has calmed to a managable level. A dear friend of mine has cancer and he spoke to me about not wasting my remaining years. That has forced me to think about what we want with our "golden years". My friend was retired only 3 years when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung cancer. His wife is my exact age, we share a birthday and so many similarities in thinking that we feel like twins separated at birth. His illness has responded well to treatment until recently. I truly believe he doesn't have long now. His last visit was difficult for both of us. At 60, my remaining years are limited, I know. Will Stephen King and I have time to do all the traveling we have always planned? Will I see my grandchildren grow into the fine adults I know they will become? Will I ever be thin again? OK, that last one isn't necessary or possible, but I had to lighten up! Really, we all need to consider the future. I know I'm Heaven bound when I die, but what about the years till then? There's the rub.
I'm working on this at work!!! Something I never do, but I have a few minutes before our next case conference and think I'll take advantage of some down time. We have so many incoming 6th graders with IEPs that I don't know how we will place them all in next year's schedule. And no we aren't finished scheduling yet, our admin is, "still making decisions". Hey, guess who gets to work all of July! Not really, but why can't they see these things before April? Do you have such issues? It is too late for this year, but next year I am only doing guidance. No admin, no discipline, no extra duties, no late nights, strictly guidance. Promise, hear me? I am! Pinky swear, cross my heart. How I don't know yet. :-(
I am so excited to see you all at Anna's shower. I do hope Kirstie is bringing Baby Mc. I can't wait to hold her. It has been so long since we have had a tiny one at home. A former student brought in her new 5 pounder, her 3rd in 2 years. Broke my heart. Another issue with work, broken hearts. I love hearing from you all on here, but Alison takes the cake! Al always lifts me with her cheery response, praising the weather snow or shine, sharing endearing things the boys have done or the joys of a farming/coaching wife. Alison, you should have your own blog. I'd love to make mine more interesting, but don't know how to share pictures or links to other good blogs. Maybe that will improve with retirement, too.
Time to go. Another lying parent will come in and try to convince us she is Mom of the Year. Sorry, that slipped out. I am attempting to find the positive side of everything each day. Some days are more challenging than others. And some days I get beaten down by it all. Others, I manage to see the goodness and love in everyone so easily and encourage them to keep up the good job they are doing. These days have been few in recent weeks. Maybe more me than them??? Pollyanna has had hers eyes opened for sure with this career.
See you all on the 15th. Enjoy the Merry Month of May till then. Talk to me. Love, Hedy
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