Time and Memories move in two directions

"Time moves in one direction, memory moves in another." -William Gibson

Some of my earliest memories are flashes of the late 60's and muted colors- greens, reds, a friendly Irish setter, snow (lots of snow),  a lighthouse, and a friend who wore an eye patch.

Pretty random, but all of those memories have one thing in common - my Mom.  She was the one that built a snow igloo in Boston and giggled with us as we froze, took us to the lighthouse and romped with us on the Massachusetts shoreline after exploring Plymouth and the MayFlower.  She was not afraid to be silly, take us on adventures, chew us out, or make things fun.  She worked hard to make sure we knew how to do chores, do our best in school, be responsible for our decision and actions, and learn about Jesus.  She taught me how to fly kites, fish, hunt for pheasants (yes, with a gun), make things that we couldn't afford, save for what we wanted or needed, and know that we were loved.

In 2009, we began seeing changes in Mom and eventually, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.  On October 20, 2016, my Mom changed her residence from earth to Heaven, and is forever free from the horrible disease that robbed her in so many ways.

Mom would have been so horrified to know how the Alzheimer's had left her.  I know that's why she tried to hide it so long from us.  She learned early in life to be independent, and I feel she knew something wasn't right. She knew things were changing.  She would have mourned

Momma and Sister

Missing her grandchildren getting married, and having babies of their own.

• Not being close to Sister and the closeness they shared. 
• Not being in her own home, church, and with her friends
• Taking care of "her birds" and helping others like she did. 

In the midst of all this, I knew I was losing the Mom I always had, but I didn't want others to think less of Mom or forget who she was.  I didn't want the Alzheimer's to define her or us.  It was just a final speed bump and challenge that she would experience and endure. There are a few things I am thankful for during these last few years:

• For the first time, we spent an incredible amount of time together that we normally would not have had.  It wasn't easy, but we did have some laughter, many tears, challenges, and memories.  It was a strange, but rare gift I am so thankful for.  
• Momma would not remember all the hurts, frustrations, anxiety, the health issues it presented, nor how it made her behave.  
• It brought our family closer through the challenges and gave us experiences that helped us to empathize with others walking through this journey. 

Our family has been "fortunate" that we have not experienced grief and loss, but we knew that it was coming.  With Mom, I grieved with each visit and memory that would pop up, and with her disease, there is a dual grieving time and I didn't quite understand that completely, but I live it almost daily.  

It's in the still of the night, when all other distractions of the day, are quiet, that the only thing moving is my brain.  It's then that the memories and pictures start playing in technicolor, and somehow, my brain starts adding to those memories. It doesn't matter how tightly I close my eyes or try to think of nothing, they rush at me like waves on the beach, constant, inching closer and closer, till I'm left with a restlessness that is resolved only by filling the void with quiet nighttime distractions.

I wanted to share with you what I shared with family and friends at Mom's celebration service following her death. It is about things I learned from Mom, but I wish I had added one more paragraph - what I learned from Mom about Faith and God, but my brain was attempting to put a whole life into five minutes, and I just couldn't do it. Mom would not have liked all the attention and people talking about what a great person she was.  But we did. We tried to honor Mom during her service, so Elvis, Alan Jackson, and Cat Stevens "came" to sing, and at Mom's graveside service we shot off fireworks.  Yep!  Right there in the cemetery we lit her favorite "One Bad Mother" and the 100 Missile shots. I think she would have been delighted, but she would have made sure we picked up every bit of trash because that's how she was.

Mom taught me a lot of lessons growing up.  They weren’t through lectures or even those switches I had to cut from the tree out back, but they were through daily life.  riding a bike down a dusty gravel road, learning to balance without holding on to the handle bars while clapping and singing about Peter and John healing a lame man.

“If you fall off, you get back on and don’t give up.”  This is what my mom told my 8-year-old self when my new birthday gift, a palomino, decided to bolt and I didn’t have my feet in the stirrups. When she finally caught up with us 5 blocks later, I was shaking and couldn’t wait to get off that horse… But she wouldn’t let me and made me ride that horse, with corrected stirrups, all the way home.  We later had the best memories riding our horses in the country.  She didn’t once tell me I couldn’t break or train my colt, but encouraged me to work every day, sharing what she knew from growing up on the farm, showing and checking to make sure I wasn’t missing any important steps.

Don’t quit… Mom never let me quit anything, just because it was hard or I lost interest. The first day of college was always the hardest for me, and exactly three times, I called her from the payphone, begging her to come get me and let me come back home.  She would drive over two hours to the college, help me settle in and then drive all the way back home.

Be frugal and Creative – She had many interest - wood working, crafting, taking care of wildlife birds, and taking care of others. We didn’t have a lot of money growing up, but from the time I was a baby, mom created clothing for me until the time I married.  Side-by-side, she taught me to read patterns, make short cuts, and pattern alteration. Hands on learning at it’s best!  When I was growing up, she created the cutest and fun birthday cakes that looked so professional. This only frustrated me when I attempted to do the same for my children and they ended up looking like something a child would do.

Plan and know!!!  She was a planner… She would research anything she wanted to purchase, pros and cons, or plan to do.   That is something I inherited from her.  She always knew the day of the month of the year that she would pay off any bill or save for what she needed.  Sometimes I think that may have been a curse she tossed my direction.   As the sign changer for TCC, she prided herself at not using the same saying more than once.

Life is an adventure – Have fun and laugh!   We used to play tons of games growing up, and whether it was Candy Land, Gin Rummy, or Yahtzee, she never went easy on me and let me win.  A win against her was earned!  When my brother graduated from college, she drove to Joplin to stay with me so we could go to his graduation.  The night before the ceremony, she decided she wanted to TeePee and fork his yard. It was a ton of fun to sneak over there and decorate, but a little instruction on holding on to the end of the roll when you throw it was needed.  She loved being silly, holidays with the family and making a big deal of accomplishments, small or large, but she didn’t like the focus to be on herself.

 Grandkids – She was an awesome grandma and loved seeing them when she could, creating memories and traditions as she went.  We didn’t always see eye-to-eye on how she wanted to spoil them, but she loved them like crazy.  From creating giant bubble solutions, teaching them to drive stick-shift, holding tea-parties, shooting off works, chase fire-flies, sticking a coffee packet on her nose to get the kids to laugh, listening to them play their musical instruments together, or always having waffles with homemade blueberry syrup when we stay with her.  

I would also like to share what my sweet cousin and friend, Raine, wrote,  because she shared her heart and memories from a different perspective.

Many family gatherings were spent at Aunt Betty’s.  As a young child, I was always excited to go to Niotaze to spend time with my many cousins, Aunt’s, Uncle’s and Grandparents.    Since Aunt Betty lived right across the road from my Grandparents, it was always a bonus because I would get to see Aunt Betty, Lynnet and Bryan every time I would visit my Grandparents.   After my Grandparents passed, Aunt Betty’s house became the place for all the family gatherings.    At Easter, the cousins would gather to hunt Easter eggs in her yard; a tradition that continued with the birth of her grandchildren and great nieces and nephews.    A yard that was always neatly manicured, adorned with beautiful Japanese Maple trees around her patio to the peach trees and grapevines growing on the east of her property and a large garden to the south.   

4^th of July was always spent at Aunt Betty’s – A family tradition that my children always looked forward to attending.   It seemed each year, the fireworks show be better than the year before.   Because 4^th of July was her favorite holiday, she saved money just to go shopping at Jakes in Coffeyville with her sister Jerre, my Mom,  carrying the list of which fireworks were her favorite -  A list that was created from the previous year.   You see, there was a rule we had to follow.  Us kids gradually learned the requirements it took to be able to light ANY of the fireworks with Aunt Betty’s satisfaction and for people that knew the rules, we would secretly laugh at the ones that broke the rules or were unaware of the rules.   1.) You first had to announce the name of the firework you were getting ready to light.   2) You also had to make sure she heard the name of the item that was going to be lit.  3.) You then had to make sure she had time to write it down.     THEN she would way ‘OK!  I’m ready!”    Afterwards, she would give the item a rating as to whether it was worthy of being part of next year’s fireworks show!    New comers to the gatherings, such as friends, or impatient and anxious teenagers that wanted to hurry and shoot off some fireworks, were often scolded for not announcing what was being lit and sometimes had to retrieve the already shot item and try to read the name of firework.   Words like “Wow!”  “Alright!” and even “That was a dud!  I’m marking that off the list!”  were the comments she would make! Aunt Betty was serious about her fireworks and we all were thankful to be able to share this love with her.   A love which resulted in creating memories with three generations of family.

When I was 12, I was in the hospital because I broke my leg and Aunt Betty came to sit with me.  The following year, I had my tonsils removed and because of some complications, I didn’t go home right away and again, Aunt Betty came to sit with me.  At one of the visits she cheerfully stated “I brought you something from home that is much softer than anything you have here!”  I look over to see her pulling a roll of toilet paper out of her bag!  She always had a way of making me laugh!   Always a caring heart.   

At Thanksgiving she always made her famous pumpkin pies adorned with a crust leaf in the center and a cranberry dish that was always in the same white stemmed milk glass bowl.    She always remembered our birthdays, sending a card in the mail, being there for my children’s first birthday, graduations and wedding.    Aunt Betty was a stranger to no one, always being fascinated or interested with the people around her and making them comfortable.   She worked hard for everything she had, took pride in her children and grandchildren and loved life being in the outdoors.   She will be greatly missed by many and I can imagine that when she saw Heaven the first time, she said her famous word “WOW!” 

Lynnet

“Grief is like the ocean; it comes on waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.” Vicki Harrison

Looking for the light...

My Momma

Sunday was Mother's Day and after lunch with Honey, Youngest and two friends, and a nap, I slipped out of the house to visit Mom.  Occasionally, Mom will get a few cards from friends back home and I try to read them to her when I visit. This time I went armed with a Braums Strawberry shake for her and a chocolate one for me, a birthday card for my brother that I wanted her to sign, and a pen.

Sometimes I dread going to see Mom.  Never knowing if I will see that light of recognition in her eyes or will I be a stranger?  Will she ignore me or hug me?  On the days that she does not know me, I don't stay long.  It's not that I want to, but she looses interest and ignores me.  I usually end up talking to the CNA (Certified Nurses Assistant) or watching whatever TV show is on at the moment.

That day, she was sitting at a table, clutching a cup that held the droplets of a Mighty Shake.  She has long since forgotten how to use utensils and her appetite is dropping, but there are these wonderful little high calorie shakes that she loves.  In fact, the nurses that give meds keep an extra one on hand when they go down my mom's section because she likes to sneak one from the med cart.  As I sat down, she was resting her head in her free hand.  I touched her hand, and she opened her eyes, peering at me.  "Hey Momma!  I'm your daughter."  Usually that's how I start and sometimes, after 10-15 minutes she may seem to know I'm someone she should know.

"Oh, it's you!  You're the first," she said referring to birth order, but I'm actually the second.  She looked beautiful in her floral blouse and purple dress pants and it caught me off guard.  She physically reminded me of the old Momma, before this disease took over and I had to fight the tears.  Lindsey, the CNA, had curled her hair and painted her nails a beautiful deep pink earlier.

She tried to make conversation, but the words are just not there.  Her brain, jumbled, only allowed a few words before she got that worried look on her face, and then she saw me.  Her hand lifted, brushing my hair back from my face. There was a light of recognition in her eyes.
 "Where is your husband?"
"He's at home mowing the yard."  She frowns as she tries to process this as she slurped her shake.  She watches as I take a drink of mine.
"What is that" she ask with interest, licking her lips.
"Oh it's a chocolate shake. Why don't you take a drink of yours?"  
A female resident sidles up next to Mom.  "She danced with me today.  She likes Elvis you know."
Do you have a man? Momma questioned.
Yes, I have a husband and kids," I answered pulling out my phone to show her pictures.  Somehow she knows that strange little device holds pictures and ask for it from time to time. I took the opportunity to take a picture of her, selfie style.
"Ew, who is that?", she asked pointing to herself on the screen.
"That's you, Momma.  Don't you look beautiful?"  She frowns. "Can you smile for me?"   She pauses, working her mouth, as if trying to remember how to smile.  Turning her face to me, she smiles and I snap the shot.  I never could get one of her looking straight at the camera. She kept sticking her tongue out at it.

Oh, the card you ask?  I attempted to put the pen in her hand and she fumbled  to grasp it.  The CNA got a scrap piece of paper to practice on.  I wrote the word MOM, so she could copy it, but she could not even do that.  The CNA suggested I do a hand-over-hand writing with her.  Momma asked what was it for and I told her it was for her son.  She looked worried because she didn't remember she had a son.
"I should do something..." she started.
"Oh, you already are!  See, you got this card for him!"

Dinner arrived and I moved her into the kitchen area where she eats, as a fellow resident passed out silverware and drinks.  She has a hard time concentrating when she sits out with the other residents and often, the CNA will feed her and her roommate in there. Veggie Soup and a tuna sandwich!  I couldn't believe it.  The kitchen is supposed to prepare only finger foods for her. Picking up the spoon, I drain as much liquid off and begin feeding her.  This isn't something I ever thought I would do and it wasn't the first time. It's not something I'm comfortable with.  I can feed little kids with no problem, but my brain balks at my momma being so incapacitated that she can't feed herself, nor recognize how to use utensils.  She pokes her finger in her soup and puts it in her mouth. I push the soup a little further away from her and she eyes my chocolate shake as I spoon some carrots into her mouth.  She eats most of it and I try to feed her roommate siting next to me.  She eats some and spits it out, which does this at every meal.  Finally she finishes most of the soup and she spies the sandwich, poking her finger in it and tasting it.  We sit for a while as I feed her bite size pieces of her sandwich. My phone lights up with a message from Honey, and I know I need to head out.  Her night time meds are kicking in and she will be too sleepy to care soon. I pour the rest of my shake into her cup and she grabs it immediately.
"Mmmm, that good,"   closing her eyes in pleasure.  It's the simple things really.

My chair scrapes the floor noisily as I get up and she looks at me with a panic.  "Momma, I have to go."
"Do you want to sleep in my room?" she ask.
"No, I have to get home and get ready for work tomorrow, but I will come back.  I always come back."  She sighs and kisses me with soupy, chocolate lips. I leave the room and she has already forgotten I was there.  I walk to the locked doors with tears pooling in my eyes, forcing myself to not look back....

Please don't get me wrong and say I'm such a good daughter.  I don't see it like that.  I struggle greatly with this disease and all it brings, what it does to the individual and their families.  There are days I know I should go see her and I piddle around, mentally making excuses.  I think of my friend back in KS who has moved in with her mom to care for her, leaving her family home.  I know the struggle she is going through.  It is real, raw, frustrating, heartbreaking, and exhausting.  I know the struggle of another friend whom is Driving hundreds of miles each weekend to be with his mom, as she journeys through this. I see their devotion, heartbreak, and dread.  I think of my cousin, who lost her mom, my aunt to this over seven years ago. I hear the kindness and wisdom in her voice and messages.  I no longer look around the corner to anticipate what is coming next - I can't.  It's one day, one visit, one tear at a time, holding on to any light that may come to her eyes.

It's a pain

my lovely bones

  It's been a pain having constant aches,
makes me a very grumpy person, well, maybe grumpier than usual.

I went last week to see the orthopedic doctor.  After x-rays of my hands, hips, and shoulder, and the dreaded blood test. I've got those fun veins and arteries that love to play Hide and Seek and it is usually a very painful (more than usual) process.  Thankfully the poor tech took pity on me and was able to draw it from my finger! 

Dr. said my inflammation levels are at 10, which is way under if I had RA or some other auto-immune disease (20-60), my bones and joints show no signs of wearing down or deterioration.  Problem with hands and arms- probably carpal tunnel and will have a nerve study test on the 23rd.  Due to shoulder pain, he gave me a cortisone/steroid shot in my shoulder - felt like it was HORSE needle, but after a few days, it feels 90% better!  I know it's temporary, but for now, I'll take it. 

Saturday, we really wanted to go to a huge ice cream festival, but with the rain, we nixed that and went for a weekend at home. I headed off to for a quiet few hours at a local quilters exposition. It was fun to see the wide variety of quilts and interpretations, and how each was quilted. was truly inspired, but so many of those quilts were way beyond my dreams, ability, or desire. I do think someday, when I grow up, I want to have a long-arm quilting machine and sewing room!  I bought some material for my dream Swoon quilt and maybe this next year, I can get it made. Meanwhile, I keep collecting ideas and fabric.

I was finally able to go to church yesterday after being gone for almost a month.  It felt so good to be back and the worship time was just what I needed. Having all the aches and pains and no clue to their cause makes me think of Paul and so many of the others have dealt with illnesses.  While I'd love to think I'm just on top of the world of this and handling it like a humble, uncomplaining, I'm not very good at this and I don't hide my emotions or feeling well.  I'm not asking God to take this away or for miraculous healing, though we have seen Him do a miracle in our Youngest, but whether this is temporary or "forever", I'm learning and know, it could always be so much worse.

Until then,  I'm filling up the tub and warming up my bones.  These cold rainy days are not my friend!

I gotta feeling - update

Ever had a feeling that your warranty ran out of your body?  Maybe you decide you need to start working out, overdo it a little and you can barely move or sit down a few days after - every muscle you never knew you had hurts. I've had that feeling for two months and it's just the pits.  I know it could be so much worse, but it just feels bad.

I was born with a dislocated hip and each time the weather changes (cold front, rain, etc) I feel the ache a few days before it hits.  It's like a free weather predictor without having to watch the weather!  Nice huh?  I now get to experience that everyday in places I never wanted to feel it - fingers, ankles, wrist, shoulders, elbows (who knew), feet, back... Getting hugs, shaking hands, typing, sometimes walking, sitting, and even getting down on the floor is painful. I'm sure you don't want me to go on - makes me feel like a complainer and  a bit of a grump.

It's a little tricky trying to get a doctor's appointment when the kids are working and doing college classes, plus keeping the girls, but I was able to go today in between Only's classes.  After an x-ray, blood test, and discussion with my physician, he listed a "nice" list of what it could be.  They will have the results of the blood test tomorrow and start at the bottom of the list, working up.  I LOVE a good mystery.


***Update:  Doctor said my labwork showed no presence of an auto immune disease (immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake) like   (Rheumatoid Arthritis, lymes, Celiac disease, IBD, Hashimoto's, Diabetes type 1, etc).    Meaning my blood work is normal (though I don't feel normal)!  This is GREAT!  So what does this mean?  I have an appt to see an Orthopedics specialist the second week of Oct. and hopefully he will be able to look at my x-rays and other info to hopefully  pinpoint the reason and treatment for my achy breaky pain.  

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers already.   I have greatly appreciated all of them.

$2,000 can of 7 oz Pepsi

Our most expensive can of Pepsi

 A little over a month ago , Honey told me his eye appt revealed he had a cataract.  Yes, I know, 45 isn't really THAT old, but we certainly felt old after this! We were a slightly stunned, but relieved that the issue he was having was fixable.

He was actually quite frightening before his surgery.  Think about it.  Here is a stubborn, quiet, dedicated man, who scared the daylights out of me when he drove because he couldn't see and didn't want to admit it. There was a horrible glare on his at night, and to make matters worse, he began to GLARE at me each time I suggested or hinted that I would like to drive.  When we drove up to Springfield, MO for a car show Memorial Day weekend and to visit with siblings (it was a blatant, "we're leaving the kids home alone, in order to get away by ourselves" weekend) I was terrified. I literally was so thankful for my iPhone and all the books and games on it, because I couldn't stand to watch the road and how bad his driving had gotten.  All I could think was "Our children are going to be orphans and will have to move to TX to live with family."  To say that Honey was more quiet and apprehensive leading up to his July 5th surgery was a gross understatement.  He had not had any type of surgery since he had his tonsils out as a young child.

Our experience?

1. They don't knock you completely out for this type of surgery.  This part really freaked him out before they gave him the meds. After the meds he cared less and says all he saw were "pretty rainbow colors". 
2. It takes less than 20 minutes to have this done (barely time to open a book or let family know he had gone in).
3. Honey is a blast under anesthesia (somehow took on the sense of humor of his older brother), which made him even more funny.
4. His demands of Sweet Tea via I.V. (after the anesthesia hit and prior to surgery) were not met and then said he could not trust me to drive him home.  He really thought he was going to drive himself home until our pretty nurse told him to hand over the keys. I did stop on the way home at McDonalds and got him a sweet tea "because I need it," he demanded.
5. Honey's complimentary can of "you're waking up from surgery, drink this, keep it down and you can go home" can of Pepsi cost us $2,000.  He swears it was awesome!  
6. I laughed so hard just trying to get his shirt back on him, I cried. I'm sure we provided MUCH entertainment to those around us. Next show will be Aug. 2.
7. He accused me of driving like Mario Andretti going over every speed bump I could find.
8. After sleeping from 1 p.m. until 3 a.m., he couldn't sleep anymore and decided to go in to work to do some paper work.  Seriously!!!  The man thought he was going to DRIVE himself!!!  Rather than argue, I got up and took him.  I was awake anyway from his mumbling and trying to find his wallet. We finally got back home at 5:30 a.m. at which he promptly went BACK to bed and I was WIDE awake.  ARGH!!!  
9. We have the sweetest friends who came over that same morning to help organize and put stuff back in our attic (another story).  What did Honey do during this?  He sat AT the kitchen table, calling customers, letting them know their vehicle was ready, giving estimates, and updating them on progress of their vehicle. We were all literally shaking our heads in disbelief. !   I really think he wanted to keep busy because he wasn't able to help or "take charge" and wanted to keep his mind off what we were really doing.



Honey's attractive eye patch and attire

10. The eye patch???? We're keeping it, so I can paint it black and he can masquerade as a pirate at his next birthday.

  We've seen such a remarkable improvement in his vision now from -200 something (he couldn't even see there was a wall with a Big "E" on it)  to 20/30 without any type of corrective lenses that he is actually looking forward to having his other eye done.  I kid you not!   We are incredibly thankful for all the prayers and God's hand in all this. 

 I'm fairly confident he'll never read this post, but please don't forward it to him.  We still have his other eye to have surgery on and I really want to stay married to this man. 

What I've been reading and visiting in blogworld

These last few days, while I've been sick, I've had a little more time to visit some blogs I like to read.  I wanted to share a few of these with you.   

• Craig Love thins out the herd of negative voices  (eliminating negative voices)  this was REALLY good. In all fairness, you really need to read all of his "Love" series to fully understand, but it very worth the time. for a matter of the heart. 
  
• The Queen Mommy wrote about Motherhood's Journey in which journaling about our growth, effort, accomplishments and successes through the journey of Motherhood and to see how God is changing us. This really touched my heart as a mom.
  
• Glenda about her daughter following in a legacy of missionaries and moving to England with Reign Ministries.
  
• Shelly at Life on the Wild Side about taking a sabbatical with her husband.
  

  

  Walking across a precipice

• Cindy at For One Another did a review of HOMESCHOOLOPY.   What a hoot!  I think it might be kind of fun, but if you know me, Monopoly is actually call The Divorce Game at our house.  No, it has not caused a divorce, but it sure does not embody fond feelings.  A few years ago, Youngest had a part in our church's Annual Business meeting which had The Great Adventure (Indiana Jones) theme.  As a token of appreciation, he was given the Indiana Jones Monopoly game and it's actually the only Monopoly game we can play without huge disagreements.
  
  
• Due to recent illness at our house, I  made a great large investment in Jello and Kleenexes with Lotion (this has got to be the best invention - really!).  Did you know that Jello has a Jell-O Lounge?  Care to make a guess what that is about?  Hint, you must be 21 to enter.  Yes, recipes for Jello with a bit of a twist.  I had no idea this was out there!

Finally decided to quit feeling like a train wreck and going to the doctor in an hour. Jello and yogurt are only good for so long. 

Well, after two hours at the doctor's office, I have fluid on both ears, high fever (STILL) after 5 days, sinus junk and a myriad of other stuff.  A horribly painful powerful antibiotic shot later,  5 days of free sample antibiotics, with a script for an additional 5 days ($10 a pill), and horrible headache I'm exhausted... Guess it's time to apply MORE Miracle Rub from The Momma.  I was so thankful that Only drove me to the doctor and fixed dinner after gathering 5 dozen eggs and caring for  friend's critter...  Anyone need some eggs? 

RSV Woes and updates

Well, after a few rough days of horrible coughing and a few boxes of tissues with lotion, "H"'s mom took her to the dr. and she was diagnosed with RSV.  We were all shocked and they immediately began breathing treatments. Her momma is keeping her home today, so we will miss her. Please pray for them. 

 The Princess still has her horrible cough and cold, but that didn't stop her from persuading Youngest into playing Polly Pocket with her.  Seems all it takes is a smile and one of her giggles to pull us in. 

Honey sometimes just flabbergast me on who he knows.  It seems he can't go anywhere where he doesn't know someone.  They always stop to shake his hand or give him a hard time about something. Last week a customer told him to have Oldest stop by and talk to him about working at his local pharmacy.  He want Oldest to start working there soon, which would be a blessing since he needs a job desperately. Our only issue is he is in band and they have a strict policy about missing practices.  We hate for him to quit band just months short of graduation, especially since he's been playing since 3rd grade.   What would you do?

Another blessing for Oldest.  We're not the type of family that goes out to get a new cell phone when the 18 months rolls around.  We usually hold on to them until they are heading for the great recycling coffin box... Oldest has been using my old Blackjack for a few years now (i got it new in '06 I think) and it was dying FAST.  A friend of his has a great phone that he wasn't using anymore, brought it over last night and Walah!   You're probably asking why we didn't just go out and get him a new one?  We're really trying to save $$, pay off bills, and having a senior in HS hasn't helped.  What a blessing this was to us!

We're all looking forward to the weekend! 

• Friday we will gather with three other families for a monthly get-together - we call it the RWHK Gathering (first initial of our last names).  We take turns hosting at our homes, plan a menu theme (soup, italian, mexican, grilling, etc), and just take time to relax. Sometimes we play games (Apples to Apples is our favorite), have wii tourneys, ride 4-wheelers, do target gun practice, or just visit and laugh until the cows come home. 
• Saturday, Honey is taking a van load of teens to the Winter Jam (Christian concert in Tulsa) where it cost only $10 to get in.  
• While the family is away, I have a day of me time, which I plan on working on my Blissful confection quilt.  Quilt top is done, I pulled some flannel out of my fabric stash and purchased material for the binding.  I just have to lay it out, get it all pinned together and start quilting... The time always slips away from me, but a little alone time is always good, though I miss having the family here.

 Well I need to stop and get some school work done.  The Princess wants to color and I have two boys that are "ready" to do school.  Grabbing some tissues and signing off!  How are you doing and what plans are you looking forward to this weekend?