Time for Fun!

 Dare I say it? Our house is finished (for the most part). There is still a little trim work to finish up and the sliding barn door to do, but for all practical purposes, we are DONE! It feels so good! We are loving our new carpet. The odor was very strong at first (gave me bad vertigo), but the weather was so nice, we just opened the windows for a few days to let it air out. It has been fun watching Archer on it! He'll throw himself down on it and just roll around. Haha! Here are a few pictures of the finished product:

master bedroom

living and dining room

other end of living room

As most of you know, Frieda went into the hospital on the 12th with an intestinal blockage...her second one in 4 months. She ended up having to have surgery on the 18th. She is still struggling a lot in her recovery. The last report I read showed her making some significant progress. Hopefully she has finally turned a corner in her recovery. It has been a long hard road! Please continue to keep her and her family in your prayers!

As far as my crafting goes, I finished my winter rag quilt. I have it stored away until after Thanksgiving (still using my fall quilt until then). I only have one more rag quilt left on my "to-do" list...my warm weather one. I'll probably put it off until January. This one makes me 11 for the year. I sure am enjoying making them!

I also made a "chenille" pillow cover. It didn't turn out like I had hoped, but maybe it will continue to fray as it "ages". It is supposed to look like chenille, but it doesn't. Oh well, it was fun to try!

I have started doing on online knitting course, through Craftsy, and am learning a lot! Before I had taught myself using the book "Knitting for Dummies". The best that I could manage was knitted dishrags, though. I LOVE knitted dishrags, but I also thought it would be nice to be able to make more than that. So far, in my course, I've made some fingerless mittens and a waffle stitch cowl. I'm really enjoying it and learning a lot more about the process. I'm hoping my skills improve to the point that I can make a large project. Right now, I'm working on a scarf to match my mittens...just kinda "winging" it. I think my next class project will be a cap.

cowl

fingerless mittens

We hosted our 5th Sunday potluck this past Sunday. I had some hunks of meat that I usually use for making jerky that I needed to use up, so I ground them into hamburger and made up a big batch of chili. Everyone else brought "fixins" to go with it. We had a small group, but we really enjoyed the day. Between Andy and Sherry and Thiess and Gina, there were many interesting and lively stories told!

The next morning we got up and packed and headed north to Hochatown, OK. The weather has been quite chilly, which we are really enjoying! Tuesday morning we drove the Talimena Scenic Byway. It was a beautiful drive. The colors weren't "prime", but they were nice...much more color than we've been seeing at home (which is pretty much nil). We had lunch at Little Italy in Mena, AR. It was really good, and we had plenty of leftovers to bring back for another meal or two. Then last night we drove into Beaver's Bend State Park to look for deer. We weren't disappointed! We did a quick drive through, then went back this morning to go through the museum and drive around some more. We went down to Broken Bow for lunch and did a little shopping. Among some other things, I found and bought my new favorite coffee mug! 

pond where we are staying

one of the deer we saw at Beaver's Bend

cypress trees along the river

small cascade in BBSP

our cabin

Beaver's Bend Lake

We plan to pack up and leave in the morning. It has been a fun and relaxing trip, but as usual, we are missing home...especially now that we have it fixed the way we want it! We have the Highway Meeting and a baby shower for Kacey to attend this weekend, too. It's amazing how busy we stay for a couple of old retired folks!

Enjoy this wonderful fall weather and the everyday joys that come your way!

Ps 103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: (NKJV)

Prayer request and general update

I have a lot on my heart right now. The past couple of weeks have been a real roller-coaster ride. My emotions are kind of “all over the place”.

Of course, having the family together for Thanksgiving was great! Before they all arrived, though, Ricky discovered a lump in his neck. Since the doctor’s offices were all closed for the holiday, he couldn’t get in to see his regular doctor until Monday. She immediately set him up for a CT scan. Then she got him a referral to see a specialist this morning. (It is hard to believe how fast this has all happened! It seemed to take forever while it was going on.) The specialist said it is definitely a tumor, but a biopsy will have to be done to determine whether it is cancer or not. There is only a 10% chance of it being malignant. If it is benign, they will remove the tumor and part of the thyroid. If it is malignant, the whole thyroid will have to be removed and surrounding lymph nodes checked to see if it has spread. They also discovered inflammation in his esophagus which is causing him to have some trouble swallowing, which they think is related to reflux. They have scheduled a swallow test to check on that on the 14^th. Hopefully the biopsy will be scheduled before that. Then he will go back to see the specialist on the 18^th to find out all of the results and schedule his surgery. So it is going to be a rough couple of weeks. Prayers are much appreciated!

We had our monthly potluck at the Fields’ house last Sunday. Poor Heather was too ill to get out of bed, so Layne and the kids took care of hosting everyone. All of the Pettit bunch were up (David was our guest speaker), so it was great to have the extra time to visit with them. David did a wonderful job on his lesson, as always. I do enjoy listening to that young man! The folks were doing well and were able to enjoy the whole day out, too.

I took Daddy to see his general practitioner on Wednesday. We won’t be able to get his bloodwork done until next week, but his A1C was fine. No changes in medication were needed this time, which was great! He goes back to see his podiatrist next week, then his pain management (for follow-up from his procedure) and hearing specialist the following week. He is pretty much holding his own for now. Bobbie has been doing better lately. She was diagnosed with some kind of auto-immune disorder that was causing a rash all over…especially on her face, neck and chest. They put her on a prednisone pack and the rash has greatly improved. Her appetite has been good lately and she is getting around about as good as she ever does anymore.

Nam is enjoying being 5 years old. He thinks he is such a big boy now! He and his momma are on their way to San Antonio for the weekend, along with a few others from the HC young parent group. He was a little nervous, but excited, about the trip; but he did tell me that he would miss me! (I love that kid!) So Dennis and I ended up with the day off today (which has been super helpful with all of Ricky’s stuff!), as well as Monday.

Since we didn’t have to get up early today, we decided to go on another date last night. We ate at El Fenix and then tried out the Film Alley in Weatherford for the first time. We watched “Instant Family”, which I have been wanting to see since the first trailers came out. I love anything that has to do with fostering or adoption, and this movie was about both. It is based on a true story and really plucks your heartstrings! I told Dennis after it was over that I was really glad that they made it into a comedy! I cried enough as it was! But it had some REALLY funny scenes in it, too…some that I could relate to! There was quite a bit of bad and crude language in it, but that is to be expected for the circumstances of the film. These kids come from some rough backgrounds! Some of the language was just gratuitous, which is common in movies today. I wouldn’t recommend it for kids for that reason. But it really does a good job of showing the need for good foster/adoptive parents and the struggles that they and the children face.

Dennis is scheduled to speak at Hurst this coming Lord’s Day. We are looking forward to visiting with the folks over there. It will do Daddy and Bobbie good to go, too.

There are so many in need of prayers right now:  those who lost loved ones this past week; Sherrill C, who is recovering from meningitis; Nancy, who is still struggling with her cancer and waiting to be matched with a clinical trial; and so many others. Please remember Ricky along with the rest. Hoping for a little less “eventful” week next week!

Ready, Set.....

Things are about to get pretty busy. Our meeting starts tonight. I've got all of my baking done and just have a little more food prep to do. I've started cleaning house and plan to finish (what I have time for) today. My company (Kay and Diane) aren't coming until tomorrow, so I still have a little wiggle room. I've been so distracted with other things that I really haven't thought much about the meeting. Now that it is here, I'm really looking forward to it:  seeing everyone (we're expected a really good crowd), hearing the speakers, and spending the weekend growing in the Lord. I'm needing the booster!

This week has not turned out like I expected. We started it out by going to Henrietta Creek last Sunday. We enjoyed our visit with the congregation there, plus having a little extra time with Sheila. On our drive home, I got a call from my Aunt Coez. She was having some problems and needed a ride to the ER. We were still in FW, but I told her if she couldn't find anyone else before we made it back to MW, that we'd take her as soon as we got there. When we got to Weatherford, I checked on her again, and she was on her way. She was able to get in touch with one of her grandsons to take her. When we got to MW, I dropped Dennis and Ricky off at the house and headed to the hospital. She was still in the ER, but they had already decided to admit her. She was diagnosed with diverticulitis and started on IV antibiotics and given something for pain. I stayed until they got her settled into her room. It has been a rough week for her! She is still having quite a bit of pain, but they have her back on solid foods again. They were thinking about releasing her yesterday, but she hurt her leg somehow and is having a lot of pain with that...and can't get up and around. They did a MRI on it yesterday, but they hadn't told her the results yet last night when I was there. She's not able to get around and take care of herself right now, because of her leg pain and from being so weak. They are talking about either moving her to a swing bed (if she qualifies) or sending her to rehab for a few days to build her strength back up. She lives by herself, and there is no way that she could manage on her own in her present condition. The timing is really bad for me being able to help out much right now! Please continue to remember her in your prayers. She has taken care of SO many people during her lifetime (including me!), and I hate to see her not even being able to take care of herself. I wish I could do more for her.

We are down to 10 days until we leave for Vietnam! Sheila talked to Dillon on Tuesday and got some very helpful information about what to expect on the trip and when we get Nam. We will have a guide with us the whole time to help with travel arrangements, interpreting and helping us wade through all of the details of handling an overseas adoption (which are many!). Since we will be getting on an airplane back to HCMC the same day as the adoption ceremony, it will be invaluable to have him help with Nam...explaining everything to him and helping calm him as he tries to understand the changes taking place.

We had good news from Daddy's nephrologist this week! His kidney function INCREASED from 31% to 43%. The doctor started him back on the BP medicine that he had stopped, but just reduced the dosage. He also started him on a low salt/potassium/phosphorus diet. I'm not sure what that is going to entail...I haven't looked into it yet. It will raise his rates at Brookdale, which he isn't going to like. I am still waiting to hear back from the office manager on how much of a difference it will make. I'm really happy to see that his kidneys are still healthy enough to respond positively to lifestyle changes. From what we'd read on the internet, when they drop below 30%, the damage is irreversible, and he was awfully close to that! I'm really hoping that we can keep him off dialysis!

Well, today is Stephen's 33rd birthday. It is hard to believe! I remember this day 33 years ago quite well...and my memory is usually not good enough to remember that far back. I remember how terrified I was at becoming a mother...afraid that I couldn't do it! Then after that first night home from the hospital, I was sure I couldn't! LOL! But I soon learned that I could and started enjoying the thrill of being the primary caregiver to another little person. It fills my heart with wonder to think that Sheila is about to embark on the same journey. The circumstances may be different, but the love and joy and amazement of motherhood is the same. Just as a mother falls in love with her unborn child as she carries it for 9 months, I've watched Sheila fall deeply in love with Nam over the past 18 months as she has prepared for this new adventure. Motherhood is the greatest calling a woman can have, and I'm so very thankful that she is able to achieve it...even as a single woman. It will be more challenging, but I have confidence that she will be an amazing mom!

Well, I need to get started on my activities of the day. It is time to start on this whirlwind!

I was WAY overly optimistic!

We DID get the tile all laid last week.  I just didn't realize what all had to happen before we finished the job!  That mortar stuff that you stick the tiles down with (Kwik Set) has to completely dry, THEN you have to go back and clean it out between the tile.  That is a back breaker (and knee, and shoulder) job that takes forever!!!  We've finished the entryway and laundry room and pantries (except for sealing the grout).  We are close to finishing the dining room...hope to get it cleaned and grouted tomorrow.  Then we still have the kitchen.  It is taking us at least a whole day to do one room.  If we were younger, it might go faster, but we don't have the stamina that we once had!  At least my kitchen is functional again.  I'm enjoying having my stove and ice maker and washer and dryer all working again!

Dennis got the doors hung on my pantry and storage closet Saturday.  That sure helps the aesthetics a lot!  (Plus it cuts down on construction dust settling on everything!)  After we finish with the tile, he'll start working on trim.  THAT will be very exciting!  I can't wait to see what the finished project will look like!

the entryway

dining room (in progress)

pantry and storage closet doors (they will be painted white)

Daddy and Bobbie did well on their trip over the weekend, even though it wore them out!  We are currently dealing with the issue of Daddy's driver's license, which isn't going well.  That is one hard hurdle to address!  He is being required to take a driving test, as well as have a letter from his doctor stating that he is ok to drive.  His doctor refused to supply it, so he wants to shop for a new doctor.  He will have 30 days to comply with the DPS, or they will revoke his license.  We've tried to reason with him that it is just time to give it up, but he isn't ready to believe that.  Prayers for all of us are greatly appreciated!

I tell you what, all of this with Daddy has me doing a LOT of thinking about my aging and wanting to make it an easier transition for my kids to deal with.  I started writing out my instructions for my final arrangements this morning.  (Sheila, you will find them in my personal and confidential folder on my computer.)  My main desire is for my kids to do what is best for them, when the time comes.  I won't be there, so I really don't care what they do!  I have made a few suggestions, though, in case they are interested.  😉  After we finish with all that we are doing on the house and with Daddy's stuff, we really need to find a lawyer and make out a will.  We've talked about it for years, but just have never taken the time to do it.  I also plan to continue to sort through "stuff" and clean things out as much as I can...so they won't have to later.  I know people "my age" don't like to admit that we are getting old, but pushing 60 ain't no spring chicken!  I certainly feel the effects of age and realize that my time is limited.  God willing, I hope to have another 20 years or so to enjoy watching my grandkids grow up and enjoy time with Dennis in our retirement.  Whether I do or not, I really want to be proactive and have things lined up for my kiddos. 

We have the estate sale set for May 5 and 6, from 8 to 5.  The planners have been working on the house the past couple of Sundays and plan to start fulltime next Monday.  It is a BIG job!  The house will go on the market on May 8.  I'm hoping that we already have several offers to choose from when it does.  The realtor will start "advertising" 10 days before open house.  We've already had interest shown from a couple of people.  I'm hoping we can have the house sold by sometime in June.

I am trying an experiment.  I love fresh bean sprouts in Vietnamese food!  Sheila suggested I try growing my own.  So I am giving it a try!  I'm hoping to make pho and fresh spring rolls for supper Friday night, and they SHOULD be ready by then.  I hope they turn out good!

Well, that's all for now.  I hope things are going well where you are. 

"Be Still My Soul"

What a week!  Sheila and I spent 3 hours last Monday with lawyers, working on a case.  Then we spent the rest of the day discussing and finishing up the court report.  It was an intense day!

Then we woke up Tuesday morning to the news that Brother Wayne had passed away.  Such a sweet Christian man!  I know it will be difficult for Mayrene to go on without him, after almost 76 years of marriage.  We will all miss him, but I’m so thankful that he didn’t suffer long.  I will always remember, with gratefulness, the time that Ricky was working out in Brownfield and ended up in the hospital with strep and dehydration.  Brother Wayne was there to visit every day!  He also kept trying to get me to come over to sleep, or eat, or shower, or do whatever I needed while there.  It meant so much to both Ricky and me!  He was a good man!

The next couple of days were spent working on another court report and getting things cleaned up around the house.  Our house has been pretty topsy-turvy lately!  We tried to make it more livable, in case someone needed a place to stay for the funeral.  The visitation was Thursday evening, then the funeral and burial took up all day Friday.  I had planned to attend the Lunar New Year celebration with the girls on Saturday, but I decided I’d just stay home and rest up instead.  I’m glad I did!  Turns out, I was going to need it even more than I realized.

About bedtime Saturday night, I received a call from my (ex)sister-in-law (that I still consider part of the family) saying that she heard from someone that an ambulance was in front of Daddy’s house.  So she called and found out that Bobbie was being taken to the hospital again.  She tried to get Daddy to let her drive him, but, of course, he refused!  I gave him time to get to the hospital and then started trying to call him.  After about an hour, I got hold of him.  Bobbie had another spell where she was short of breath.  They started running tests and finally admitted her around midnight.  Tonette was in Corpus, so I kept her and Kathy informed as I found out anything.  Yesterday, I drove to Haslet for the morning assembly, so I could go back to the hospital with Daddy.  They had asked to be taken to a different hospital this time, and I wasn’t sure where she was.  I tried following him to the hospital, but that didn’t work out very well.  I finally ended up calling the hospitals that I thought she might be at until I found the right one.  I ended up getting there before Daddy!  She is actually doing pretty good.  They’ve done several tests and haven’t really found anything noteworthy.  I think there are several issues that are all working together to cause her to continue to have this problem.  They have both always been so independent that it makes it difficult for us “kids” to know how we can help them!  I discussed something I thought might help with Bobbie, and she agreed that it would be a good idea.  So I finally have their permission to go over once a week to help out with cleaning and laundry and whatever else they might need done.  I’m hoping that will allow me to stay on top of their situation a little better.  Things are changing pretty rapidly for them right now, and it is hard for them to admit that they have reached the point when they can’t do it all anymore.  Prayers for them (and us daughters!) would greatly be appreciated!

Dennis is feverishly trying to finish up Jesse’s birthday present this week.  We are leaving Thursday night for Paris and his party on Saturday.  (Friday will be a day of business for the guys…and playing for me and the boys!)  With everything going on, and all the wet weather we’ve been having, Dennis isn’t as far along as we’d hoped he would be by now!  I have faith that he’ll get it all done in time though.  I am really looking forward to some time with the grandsons! 

There are so many that are hurting right now, either physically or emotionally!  We really have a lot to keep us busy in ministering to others!  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:9-10 KJV)

"Be Still, My Soul" by Catharina von Schlegel, 1697-?
Translated by Jane Borthwick, 1813-1897
1. Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly, Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
2. Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.
3. Be still, my soul, though dearest friends depart
And all is darkened in the vale of tears;
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrows and thy fears.
Be still, my soul; thy Jesus can repay
From His own fulness all He takes away.
4. Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

A productive week!

Well, this past week DID go much better!  Dennis went out and killed a nice buck on Monday.  So good to have fresh meat aging!  He went out again Saturday morning and killed a nice doe.  So we are in good shape for now.  Since we have plenty of meat for the freezer for now, he can get back to working on the kitchen.  Yay!

On Tuesday, we drove down to San Saba for our yearly pecan trip.  It was a great drive down.  We saw a lot of deer, one very nice blackbuck and an oryx.  We bought 30 pounds of pecans at the warehouse store, plus a couple of jars of jam.  We then drove to our hotel in Copperas Cove and got settled in.  We knew of a good Italian restaurant (that we'd visited before), so we went there for supper and then took in a movie.  We hadn't planned to watch election results, but we turned them on when we got back to our room and kind of got drawn in to it.  I finally went to sleep and left it with Dennis!

Wednesday, we took it easy...sleeping late and then enjoying a leisurely breakfast in our hotel.  After loading up, we headed back towards home...taking a scenic shortcut.  We saw more deer, including a BIG buck!  As we drove into Hico, we saw this old Victorian home with a giant banner along the fence, advertising 20 years of business for the Wiseman House Chocolates.  Well, we couldn't just pass that by!  They hand make all kinds of chocolates and offer free samples throughout the store.  Of course we had to purchase some, too!  We ended up making it back home in time for lunch and spent the evening picking out the pecans.  We had bought cracked nuts, so we were able to get them all shelled out by bedtime.  We now have 6 gallons of wonderful pecans in the freezer...just in time for Thanksgiving treats!

I had an appointment first thing Thursday morning with my doctor.  My blood pressure is doing well.  I will continue on my current meds until I see the cardiologist at the end of the month. 

I left the doctor's office and drove to FW for Bobbie's hand surgery.  She had 2 tendons (leading to her right index finger and thumb) that had snapped in two from some screws that were holding a plate on her wrist from when she had broken it.  They removed the screws and plate and attached the tendon from her index finger to the middle finger, so they will work together.  Then they attached the tendon from the thumb to one that leads to her bicep to stabilize it.  She won't have normal function in her hand, but it ought to be better than it has been.  She will be in a brace for 3 weeks and not able to use her right hand during that time.  She went through surgery well and is not having much, if any, pain from it.

I baked sugar cookies on Friday and froze them.  I plan to decorate them for Thanksgiving...saving a few for the boys to decorate while they are here.  I am super excited about this Thanksgiving!  Having both boys here all weekend is going to be a blast!  We are hoping to go to the zoo one day with them.  I've looked forward to a day at the zoo with grandkids for a LONG time!

Sheila came over and spent Friday night and all day Saturday.  I enjoyed having her around all weekend.  She also came back over and spent all day today. 

We had a great Lord's Day today!  Dennis gave a good lesson this morning and things got pretty emotional.  Brother Wayne made a few comments and had everyone in tears!  Mayrene has been in the hospital for the past two weeks, and it is very hard on them both.  It is also rough on Linda and Karen who are trying to take care of both of them!  They could all really use your prayers!

We are just a week and a half away from Thanksgiving!  There will be a lot going on between now and then...2 deer to butcher, plus we plan to go help Kyle butcher Parker's first deer (that he killed this morning...way to go, Parker!)  I've got court on Tuesday, an appointment that night and a visit Friday morning.  Then it will be time to start baking goodies!  I've already bought my turkey, and Dennis is planning to smoke it the day before, so I can just warm it up Thursday morning.  We are excited to do our own smoked turkey for the first time!  We also need to make up some more jerky to have on hand while all of the kids are here.  I love Thanksgiving!!!

August...ugh!

It has been a slow week as far as kitchen work goes.  Dennis has started working on drawers.  He has the gliders in for 3 drawers in my bar area.  He forgot to buy a router bit that he needs in order to make the drawers the last time he went to Rocklers, so he had to make a special trip back over there today to get that.  Hopefully I'll have a few operational drawers completed before the weekend is over!

Sunday was our regular 5th Sunday potluck and singing.  Donnie Wilson was our guest speaker.  We enjoyed having him and Tammy here to visit.  We really don't get to see them very often and enjoy it when we do!

We drove over to Haslet to meet with the Henrietta Creek church on Wednesday night.  It had been a couple of months since we'd last been there.  It was good to visit with all of them!  Teddy and Leslie had gotten news on their adoption this week, so we spent a lot of time talking about the baby, and baby showers and such.  Labor Day is also rapidly approaching, so we discussed plans for that, too.  Good times!

It has been a very stressful week for one of my CASA cases.  I've been very busy dealing with the different people involved in the case and trying to help however I can.  Things are not as I like them to be, but I'm hopeful that it will all turn out in the end.  Prayers are definitely appreciated!  (Sorry I can't give any details!)

Ricky turned 28 this week.  Sheila came over and we took him out for a steak dinner to the Mesquite Pit.  That boy does like steak!  We got him a tabletop easel and some new paints.  I can't wait to see what he'll do with them! 

I've gotten in a couple of walks, so far, this week.  I decided, on my walk yesterday, to do a little less intensity.  That really seemed to help with the pain level afterwards!  I feel like as long as I'm still getting in my 2 miles that it doesn't matter if I walk a little slower.  Maybe I can even walk on consecutive days this way.  I hope to try it again tonight and see how it goes.  The recovery progress is very slow and almost imperceptible at this point.  But I see little things that show that I am still getting better.  I noticed this week that my foot no longer hurts when I put on my sleeping brace at night.  It used to ache to the point that I needed to use anti-inflammatory gel on it...or even take some Tylenol.  But this week, it hasn't given me any trouble!  Woo-hoo!

This is my bad time of year for allergies.  This week has been rough...bad drainage causing nausea, sneezing, sinus headaches.  From now through the first part of September is usually when I suffer the most with them.  It took me years to figure it out!  I would always feel bad and/or get sick Labor Day weekend.  I just thought it was Oklahoma!  LOL!  Finally it dawned on me that it was allergies from grass and weeds.  I usually end up having to get medicine for a sinus infection.  I'm hoping to avoid that this year!

I'm expecting a package from The Container Store today.  I use my cashback points from our Discover card to get gift cards from them.  I had saved up enough to get a pretty substantial order this past time.  I plan to work on my pantry when it arrives and get it all reorganized.  I love things that help me organize!  I function so much better when I have a designated place for everything, and everything is neatly in its place!

Last weekend, when we were in Paris, I made my normal visit to Hobby Lobby to get some yarn.  I had an afghan that I wanted to make for Sheila.  The only yarn that I could find in the colors that I wanted was the "I Love that Cotton" yarn that I use for making my dishrags.  I decided it might make a nice summer-weight blanket and bought up a bunch.  (I also knew that any left over could be used for dishrags.)  I started crocheting on it Saturday, after working out my design.  I finished it up by mid-week!  It has been awhile since I crocheted anything.  Guess I was missing it!  :)

Well, the day is going to get away from me if I'm not careful.  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  Stay cool (or at least try to)!

Joy in the midst of sadness

So much sadness over the past couple of weeks!  But there have also been rays of joy interspersed in there.  Yesterday was one of those.  We finally got to meet Shepherd!!!  He had a doctor's appointment at Children's in Dallas, so we met up with them there.  We sat in the lobby and played with Jesse until they finished, then we headed outside to a play area to get to know Shepherd.  Dennis had built a couple of toolboxes on Monday for the boys and we'd shopped around until we found some plastic tools to go in them.  They were a hit!  Shepherd loved the hammer the best!  I think Jesse liked the whole "package".  Shepherd is such a sweet little guy...kind of quiet, but full of energy and curiosity.  He is adjusting SO well to his new life and family!  It was fun to watch the two boys playing!

I got a LOT of exercise while at the hospital...that is a BIG place!  It really helped with my progress.  When I got home, I decided to try getting around with just one crutch.  I've tried before but didn't do well.  It went smooth as could be last night!  So I'm trying to use just the one all the time now...except at night when it gets too sore.  It definitely hurts more to just use the one!  I was hoping I might be able to throw away the crutches by now, but things aren't progressing as fast as I'd hoped.  Therapy is going very well.  I have only been able to go 2 times/week so far, but next week I'll get to go 3.  I REALLY hope I'll be in a shoe, with no crutches, by the end of next week!  Getting around with one crutch allows me a little more freedom to do things...I have a hand available for carrying.  I'm slowly starting to do more chores around the house.  The bulk of it still falls on Dennis, though.  I don't know what I'd do without him!  He asked me the other day what was the first thing I wanted to do when I get off crutches completely.  "CLEAN HOUSE!"  I never thought it was possible to miss housework!  (Most men just don't clean the same way their wives do.  Dennis is no exception!)

Sheila came over Saturday and spent the night.  We went to watch "Miracles from Heaven."  You could hear people all over that theatre sniffling and crying.  It was a good movie, but it was SO hard to watch!  On Sunday, between services, we went to a birthday party for a couple of our (joint) CASA kids.  It was fun to watch all of the little ones playing! 

Well, I guess that is about all for now.  Please continue to keep all of those who are hurting in your prayers, including the Bryant family, and especially the Pettit family.

Changes

Well, we haven't progressed like I had hoped since my last post.  We had rain predicted, so instead of finishing the wiring in the den and starting on the paneling, Dennis worked at getting the exterior painted to protect against the weather.  Saturday, we moved Sheila out of her house (and into a UHaul trailer), and then Tuesday, we moved her into her apartment.  That was a fun day (NOT)!  It was about 100 degrees outside, and the a/c in her apartment wasn't fully charged, so it was rough on everyone.  But she is settled into her own little space now (and the a/c is working properly).  I really like her apartment!  It is going to make her life SO much easier, now that she is only about 5 minutes from her job.  I am definitely going to miss her though!

Sheila got a new CASA case last week...one that is pretty rough.  The parents are getting weekly visits (at the CPS office) with the babies, which Sheila can't observe because of her job.  So I offered to co-CASA the case, so that I can help out.  I'll be observing the weekly visits and attending any daytime meetings.  That was what I did most of the day yesterday.  (So I get the fun part, and Sheila gets to do the work!)  The babies are absolutely adorable!  (I love this job!)

A couple of weeks ago, my oven started acting up on me.  I was cooking pizza for supper and my oven wouldn't ever get hot.  It had done this before, so we knew what the problem was.  A valve in the gas line won't open.  Dennis banged on the gas line until it opened up and I was able to salvage supper.  Since then, every time I use my oven, I have to remove the bottom drawer, lay down on the floor, and banged on the gas line.  Then when the oven cycles off and needs to come back on, I have to do the same thing.  SO, we have purchased a new stove for my (future) newly remodeled kitchen...a little early.  It matches the new refrigerator that we ordered last month...and which we are supposed to pick up TODAY!  The stove is supposed to be delivered and installed tomorrow.  I am really looking forward to trying out my new appliances!

The construction crew is making good progress on the shop.  They have the framework up and are now working on the joists for the rafters.  Although they aren't working in the den anymore, it is still being used to store some of their equipment and supplies.  But it is quieter in my living room now!  I'm hoping that this next week shows more progress on finishing out the den.  I'm really looking forward to getting some things moved around and cleaned up.  My house is a bit of a wreck these days!

On a more serious note, we have had several dear friends with serious health issues over the past couple of weeks.  The joyful birth of Mike and Denice's first grandbaby was tempered by his medical problems and admittance to Cook's NICU.  Thankfully he seems to be progressing well.  Hopefully, he and his parents will soon be able to go home and get on with life.  Bryan had his new, transplanted kidney removed last week and seems to be doing well and hopefully can finally go home in 2-3 weeks (after almost 4 months of hospitalization!).  Then there was the news on Jared's cancer.  My heart just breaks for him and his family.  Many prayers are being lifted up for all of these!  Please keep each of them and their families in your prayers also!

More winter weather, health updates, and retirement draws nearer

Well...I hope that all of this bad weather is having the desired effect of breaking our extreme drought!  I don't know how much precipitation we've gotten in all (rain, sleet and snow combined), but it has been SEVERAL inches.  It is rough on those who can't get out and work though!  Ricky was able to work yesterday, but they called off any work today due to the rain.  All the ice and snow have finally melted off from last week, but it sounds like we might see more before the day is over.  I really would like to know if our lake level has risen any!  The last report we heard, it was at 8%.

Well, we made it to the podiatrist last Friday morning, in spite of the bad roads.  The office staff and doctor were there, but they were starting to call patients to tell them not to come in when we arrived.  I am SO glad that Dennis was off to drive me!  I'm not very experienced at driving on frozen roads.  The xrays showed that my pain is due to a bone spur on the back of my heel.  The doctor said it will probably have to be "remodeled" eventually, but for now we will treat the inflammation that it has caused.  I'm doing stretching exercises and wearing a heel lift in my shoes, as well as taking an oral anti-inflammatory.  It seems to be helping a great deal.  I hardly ever limp anymore (whereas I was limping all the time before).  I have to avoid walking for exercise until the inflammation has cleared up, which he said would take 4-6 weeks.  I go back next week for him to see how I'm progressing.

I've started a new diet plan this week.  It has a 14-day jump start menu.  It is a high-protein diet that emphasizes all natural foods.  It is too early to see how it is going to do, but it keeps me pretty satisfied, as long as I follow the guidelines.  It requires a lot of cooking though!  Even the snacks are like small regular meals.  I'm hoping I can lose about 10 pounds in the 3 weeks I have before vacation!  (There is NO way that I'm going to worry about dieting while in New Orleans!)

Retirement is just 4 weeks away.  Dennis is definitely feeling like a short-timer.  It is so hard to be motivated to go to work every day...especially in all of this harsh weather.  He perseveres though.  :)  All of his paperwork has been processed, so all we have to do is wait until the big day.

Dennis has started to plan our fall vacation.  We are really looking forward to it!  This year we plan to head northeast to see the changing leaves.  There is SO much that we want to see, I doubt that we'll be able to squeeze it all in.

Frieda is still struggling with her recovery.  She has regained much of her strength, but last week she suffered a setback.  They think she had a TIA, but Anita thinks it is an injury from a fall that is causing her a lot of pain in her shoulder and arm.  She is also going to have to undergo more tests to see about a problem that she's been having for over a month now.  She seems to take a step back every time she takes one forward.

Anita went to her orthopedic surgeon this morning.  Her fracture has healed, so they have scheduled her knee replacement surgery to be in 2 weeks.  She has sure been in a lot of pain.  I'm afraid she still has a rough road ahead of her.  Continued prayers for her and her mom would be greatly appreciated!

Numbers 6:24-26  The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Autumn, health issues and a little "craziness"

It is 40° this morning!  We have received about 3” of rain in the past few days.  The 10 day forecast shows highs in the 60’s and 70’s and lows in the 40’s and 50’s.  Looks like fall has finally settled in to stay.  Hallelujah!

Well, the 5k at Clark Gardens went well.  It was a perfect morning for running.  There were 159 runners total.  I came in 102^nd.  But I did it in my best time ever, so I was happy.  About a week later, Jessica showed me a picture on her phone.  The Weatherford newspaper had put a picture from the race on the front page.  Guess whose picture was front and center?  *groan*  I guess they were trying to motivate other old, fat women to get active!

The night before the race, we got a call telling us that Mary Fox had fallen and broken her hip.  After I got cleaned up after the race, I heard that they were planning surgery that afternoon.  So I headed to FW.  I was able to visit with Mary for awhile before they came to take her to surgery.  She was in good spirits, for the most part.  Since it was a Saturday, the hospital was lax on their normal policies and allowed all of us (Ron and Karen, Jim and I) to stay with Mary in preop.  We were able to talk to the anesthesiologist when he came by to see her.  Mary had had a lot of trouble with pain meds when she broke her other hip, so we discussed it with him and he decided to do a nerve block.  That ended up cutting back on how much pain medication she needed after surgery.  The surgery went well and she ended up spending 4 nights in the hospital before being moved to rehab.  She is struggling with being able to walk, since her “good” leg has a knee that is bone on bone.  She really wants to go home, but she needs more therapy to build up her strength.  Jim is doing ok.  His son is driving him to the rehab and other friends and family are taking him home most days.  (He lost his leg last year and needs assistance getting around.)  Please continue to keep the two of them in your prayers!

Dennis killed his first deer of the season last Friday…a nice, young buck.  That same day, Kyle and Parker came over to work on deer stands/feeders.  Then Sunday afternoon, the guys (including Ryan, too) took a quick trip out west to get them set up.  Those boys are sure enjoying all of this “hunting” activity.  I can’t wait to see them when something is actually killed!

I spent the last two Tuesdays taking Daddy to doctors in Arlington.  His urologist wanted him to see an oncologist for his prostate cancer.  The oncologist wanted him to see a urology cancer specialist.  So that is who we saw this week.  He wasn’t overly concerned about Daddy’s condition and suggested a watch and see approach.  He was diagnosed in 2009 with a very non-aggressive form of cancer and the doctor doesn’t feel like it will adversely affect him during his lifetime.  Most of the treatments are rougher than the disease at his age.  So he doesn’t have to go back for another 6 months for another PSA.

Anita is doing well after her gallbladder surgery!  The abdominal pain that has plagued her for the past couple of months is gone.  She is still tender from surgery but getting back into her normal routine.

Last Saturday was the Crazy Water Festival.  I hadn’t been in several years…since I worked for Meals on Wheels.  I volunteered to help with the CASA booth Saturday morning.  We had face painting and a basket of goodies that we were selling tickets for (which Jessica ended up winning!).  Plus we were trying to raise awareness of our organization and recruit new volunteers.  While I was there we had one very promising woman sign up for training.  I don’t know how much money we raised, but we had a lot of kiddos lining up to get their faces painted! 

Cara and Heather spent the night at the girls’ Saturday on their way home from Austin.  They all came over to eat Sunday dinner with us.  It was good to see them and get to visit for a short while…sweet girls!

Dennis turned 61 on Monday.  He was gone most of the day with Kyle and the boys, setting up their deer stand and feeder.  I was gone most of the day, too.  I had taken a pot of soup to Jim and then had a visit in Weatherford to observe.  So we just went out to Pulido’s for supper to celebrate.  Just one more year until he reaches his “retirement age.”  Woo-hoo!

I have a cake to do next week for Sheila’s old boss, Riley.  He and a fellow banking friend are both turning 70 and they are having a big party to celebrate.  I’m doing a “$70 bill” with both men’s faces on it.  I’m depending on Ricky to do the drawings of the faces.  It is going to be a challenging cake…to say the least!  But Riley has been SO good to Sheila, I feel like he deserves the best I can do!

Well I need to get cleaned up and start my day.  I have a couple of CASA appointments today that I need to get ready for.  Hope you all enjoy this wonderful fall weather!

Ps 86:4 Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. 5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

Third time's a charm?

Well, my nest is empty…again.  Ricky moved into his new residence last night.  Sure is going to be weird.  I am used to either seeing him every day…or every few months (when he lived in Ark.).  Having him living in the same town but only seeing him once or twice a week will take some getting used to!  He started working a second job last week.  With him working day and night, we probably won’t see a lot of him.  I have to admit that this time (the third); I’m actually feeling pretty good about having the house to ourselves.  We are just 15 months from retirement, Lord willing, so it is about time to have all of our “little nestlings” out on their own.  Guess I’ll spend today getting the “guest room” cleaned and organized.

I was pleasantly surprised last week by a short visit from Ken and Kelli!  Ricky was home between jobs when we heard a knock at the door.  I don’t get in a hurry to answer the door, since it is usually just solicitors.  When I finally arrived, Ken was standing there!  Unfortunately, Ricky could only visit a few minutes before having to head off to work again.  I enjoyed having some time to catch up with them though.

I heard last night that Donna Rue went home from the hospital.  Poor thing was sure relieved to finally leave that place…she ended up staying 12 days.  She has a long, difficult road ahead of her.  I’m not sure when she will be starting her chemo.  She and Diane will continue to need our prayers for a good long time.

Dennis just worked an 8 hour day on Saturday.  He decided he still had energy enough to do something that evening, so we (and Sheila) decided to go bowling.  First time he had been bowling in about 8-9 years!  I have always really enjoyed bowling, even though I’m not good at it.  I’ve been several times in the last year or so with the kids.  It finally paid off Saturday night…I broke 100!  (I know for those of you who actually ARE bowlers, that is pretty pathetic.  But it was the first time in YEARS for me!)  I’m thinking about finding out what day the bowling alley has discount rates and starting to go regularly to practice.

Dennis finally has the day off tomorrow, so we are leaving when he gets off today for a short trip to Paris.  We will actually spend the night on the road.  The kids gave me a gift card for Marriott hotels for Mother’s Day, so we decided to use it to break up the drive.  We have an appointment with Stephen first thing in the morning to go over our investments and “fine tune” our retirement plans.  We will also be picking up the dresser that Sheila got from Grandmother’s things and bringing it back.  (We didn’t have room for it after the funeral, so Stephen took it to their house for us.)  Looking forward to seeing Stephen and Mandy.  I got to see Mandy at Leslie’s wedding, but Stephen was spending the weekend with Rick for his birthday.  (It was exciting to see Mandy’s “baby bump!”)

Well, the day is warming up so I’d better get my running done while I can!  Hope you all have a wonderful week!

Ps 92: It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:  2 To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night

The dog days of summer

Summer is definitely in full swing...temps in the 100's every day!  Having entered into August, at least we know we only have about another month of this before cooler weather starts tiptoeing in.  SO thankful for air conditioning!

Dennis started out the week sick.  Went in to the clinic Monday after work (had to spend 4 hours!) and got a couple of shots for infections in his throat, ears and sinuses.  He didn't have to miss any work, but he felt pretty lousy for a couple of days before the meds started kicking in.  He is pretty much back to normal now.

I had to be in court Tuesday morning for one of my cases.  Then I went to Corsicana on Thursday to visit my newest kiddos in their foster home (the ones that were SUPPOSED to be local!).  That made for a long day...driving for over 4 hours total for a 45 minute visit!  It was good to meet the foster mom and see that the kids were in a good place and were happy.  I only have to make the trip once every 3 months.  I see the kids every couple of weeks at the visit in the CPS office in Weatherford.  My traveling for my teen has come to an end.  She and her siblings are supposed to be moving back to their mom's house at the end of next week, so all my visits with them will be local now.  That will help out!

I met my goal this week of running a mile.  I was able to do it both Monday and Wednesday.  I decided to start training for the 5K on Friday but didn't do very well.  The heat is really making it difficult to run!  I'm wondering if I might have to start getting up before daylight to get it done (which I DO NOT want to do...I am NOT an early riser!).  Right now, it is usually 8:30 or 9:00 before I start my run, and the sun is already beating down.  It is still around 100° when the sun goes down, so running in the evenings isn't an option.  Our first 5K, the Crazy Color Run, is in a month and a half.  It is going to be just for fun (and charity).  The girls and I are getting up a team for that one.  I really want to be in shape for the 5K in October, at Clark Gardens though.  That is the one that I'm going to really try to do well in.  Thankfully, the temperature ought to be quite a bit cooler by then!

I went to see Donna yesterday.  She is really struggling.  The surgery was very difficult and the mass they removed was huge...it was stuck to her colon and bladder.  They still don't know what type of cancer it is yet...waiting on the biopsy results.  Donna has had a few complications since surgery and was feeling pretty rough yesterday.  She is really tired...physically and emotionally.  She will definitely need a lot of prayers and support through this ordeal...as will Diane!

Ricky's 25th birthday was yesterday.  He went to Stephen's on Thursday night.  They and Josh were going to rent a cabin in Oklahoma for the weekend to celebrate.  It is hard to believe that "my baby" is 25 already! 

I hope everyone has a good weekend.  Try to stay cool!

 Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

A plea for patience

The past month or so have been really difficult...one of the most painful that I can remember.  I want to take a little time to thank those who have "been there" for us and kept us in their prayers.

First, I want to apologize to anyone that I may have seemed "distant" with.  I want to explain why I may seem that way.  I am a crybaby, but I HATE to cry in public.  One sure way to get me to cry is to console me when I am hurting...so I stiffen and back off.  Of course, that tends to teach people NOT to try to console me...which makes me feel like people don't care.  I know, I know...it doesn't make sense, but I'm not the most rational creature when I am in pain.  I have struggled a lot lately with feelings of being alone and overwhelmed, and most of it is my own fault.  I have shut people out and then gotten upset when I was left alone.  I am NOT good at asking for or receiving help!

In spite of myself, there have been those who have reached out and broken through my walls...and I am so very appreciative of their efforts!  To those who have managed to get through, and especially to those who haven't, I earnestly ask for your patience and continued prayers.  I do need you all and hope that I haven't driven any of you away.  "Talking" about this is extremely difficult for me.  I work really hard to stay positive and try to "be there" for others.  Right now, I am struggling to just survive.  So I ask for continued prayers and support, and I apologize for my very poor efforts at receiving them!

1Th 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
Jas 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

2013

Well, the holidays are over and it is time to get back to normal.  We have ALMOST finished off all the goodies...time to start eating sensibly again.  *sigh*  I need to get back on my treadmill, too...been neglecting that for far too long.

We welcomed the New Year with a few friends over.  Played some "Things", ate junk food, and then sang in the new year.  (The young folks ended up going over to the girls for some karaoke.)  I spent most of the day Thursday visiting...first with Mary and Jim, and then down to observe my teenager's visit with her parents.  Saturday night, the Cunninghams threw a going away party for Chris.  He gave a wonderful lesson the next morning, and then he and his folks headed back to Arkansas.  Quite a few tears were shed.  We are really going to miss him!

Dennis is off on vacation this week.  He has gone hunting today...hopefully he'll be bringing in some more meat this evening.  He plans to spend most of the week replacing the heater in Ricky's truck and fixing my washing machine drain.  He has to rig up a system of reservoirs and pumps to handle the drain water from my washer.  It drains too quickly for these old pipes to keep up with and overflows if not watched and stopped in cycle.  He had to special order some parts, so it will be toward the end of the week before he can get to that.  It sure will be nice to be able to just put my laundry on to wash without having to watch it like a hawk!

So sorry to hear about all the sick folks right now.  It seems to be a really rough year for colds, the flu and stomach viruses!  We have quite a few here that are sick...plus Jim and Gary are still in the hospital after their surgeries.  Gary is doing better and is supposed to moved to rehab.  Jim is still struggling.  Mary wants to bring him home so badly, but he still can't get around at all and she can't manage getting him up.  Please continue to pray for them as they try to find a solution that is best for them!

Hope the new year brings good things to all!

La 3:21  This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.  22 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Challenges

Mike gave a very good lesson yesterday morning on Challenges...maintaining hope, providing encouragement to one another, and handling the challenge.  Last week was full of challenges, both in our congregation and in the nation.  Of course we are all appalled by the horrendous massacre at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.  The pain that we as a nation feels is nothing compared to what the families and community are dealing with.  It always makes us sit back and reexamine our society, as well as our priorities, when something like this occurs.

On a more personal note, I've been keeping you informed about the situation with our dear Brother Jim Fox.  Saturday, he lost the battle for his leg...having it amputated just above the knee.  After over 2 months in the hospital and rehab and several surgical procedures to strip blood clots and cleaning out the wound, the doctors and Jim decided that the lower leg would never heal and be usable.  His only option for renewed health was to have it removed.  It was a tough decision for him to make, but once he made it, he accepted it with grace.  (He and Mary lost their daughter in recent years from an infection turned septic after her leg amputation - due to complications from her diabetes.)  Dennis and I visited with Jim the night before his surgery, as well as the evening after surgery, and his spirits were good.  His focus on Friday night was one of shock and sympathy with the hurting in Connecticut and the horrible nature of this tragedy.  His tender heart overruled his concerns for his own circumstances.  He faces some very difficult challenges in the weeks and months to come, but I feel confident that he will persevere and be back as the same industrious, witty and compassionate man that we know and love.

I have also mentioned our Brother Gary Bell, who had back surgery a couple of weeks ago.  He faced a large set-back last week, when a MRSA set in at his incision site.  He also developed a blood clot in one of his legs and had to have a filter inserted.  He has been transferred back to the surgeon who did the initial surgery (it is an old workman's comp injury) who has had to go back in twice to clean out the incision to try to fight this difficult infection.  The hospital is in Dallas which adds to the family's difficulties.  Gary is still been in extreme pain and faces a long road to recover and greatly needs your prayers!

Mike used the example of Nehemiah to show us how we can weather these and other challenges we face:  by praying earnestly and constantly, by recognizing the power of the One to whom we pray and believing that He will prosper us, by working together and bearing one another's burdens, and by avoiding distractions which come our way.  Just as Nehemiah recognized the challenges that his countrymen faced, prayed and fasted earnestly for God's direction and help, then faced the challenge despite all the obstacles that were thrown his way by his enemies; so can we as individuals, congregations, and even as a nation can rise up with God's help to face our challenges...if we truly love, trust and obey Him.  A very timely lesson indeed!

 Ne 6:15  So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. 16 And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.