There are times that life gets so hectic I fail to stop and be thankful. So today, here's a look a some of what I have to be thankful for:
* my husband
* my sons
* our good health
* that my parents are both able to celebrate with us
* that I have such good friends to call whenever I need to talk
* my ladies in Bible Study
* the doctor and shot in my foot that made it possible for me to stand and cook for my family
* time way with my husband
* parents to kept the kids so I could get away.
Those a must a few of the things that come to mind as I sit here today. I know there's much, much more.
But most of all, I'm thankful for Jesus, for His willingness to take my place on the cross, and for the salvation He makes possible.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Progress, sort of
My dear husband had a long conversation w/ his parents today about living independently vs. living in an assisted living facility that can help with day-to-day concerns. From what he said, it was a positive conversation. They aren't thrilled, but who would be? Their legal documents are already in order, hubby now knows some about their finances, and there are insurance policies to be investigated -- to see if they can help pay for assisted living.
It's not perfect, but is is progress.
It's not perfect, but is is progress.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Another hard day
I finished up with my fall Bible Study today. We had a luncheon (fabulous), played trivia bingo with info we learned from the study and just had a nice time fellowshiping.
Then I got home and started making phone calls to assisted living faciities. I cannot believe how expensive they are. I am doing the legwork so my dear husband can make an informed choice when he narrows the field. Then he must present all the info to his parents and hope that they agree to go into assisted living.
And it all has to happen w/in the next 5 weeks, as we have a Christmas trip planned...and if his parents aren't settled, then we won't enjoy our trip.
Then I got home and started making phone calls to assisted living faciities. I cannot believe how expensive they are. I am doing the legwork so my dear husband can make an informed choice when he narrows the field. Then he must present all the info to his parents and hope that they agree to go into assisted living.
And it all has to happen w/in the next 5 weeks, as we have a Christmas trip planned...and if his parents aren't settled, then we won't enjoy our trip.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
November so far
I just returned a couple of days ago from a fabulous trip to New Orleans w/ my hubby. He had a conference there and invited me to come along. Many thanks to my parents for keeping the kids so I could go.
Now we're back and real life has hit hard. Hubby is behind (or feels that way) on some work stuff--due in part to the illnesses I elaborated on earler this month. Well, it happened again today. I believe that his parents need to move into an assisted living facility. This is hard on all concerned, as my hubby is an only child and his parents are rather "independent." I know my hubby is very, very frustrated by all of the issues and feels overwhelmed about how to properly address things.
I know he wants what's best for them. But older people can be very set in their ways. I hope that this is NOT one of those times. Help is needed and we cannot be the only ones to provide it. Boo..Hiss..Boo.
Now we're back and real life has hit hard. Hubby is behind (or feels that way) on some work stuff--due in part to the illnesses I elaborated on earler this month. Well, it happened again today. I believe that his parents need to move into an assisted living facility. This is hard on all concerned, as my hubby is an only child and his parents are rather "independent." I know my hubby is very, very frustrated by all of the issues and feels overwhelmed about how to properly address things.
I know he wants what's best for them. But older people can be very set in their ways. I hope that this is NOT one of those times. Help is needed and we cannot be the only ones to provide it. Boo..Hiss..Boo.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Sept & Oct
Well, it was an uneventful couple of months for mhy family of 4. However, that's not the case for our parents. My father-in-law has had two spells of extreme fatigue/weakness. The last one landed him in the hospital...for the better part of two weeks.
My mom is suffering from a Rheumatoid Arthritis flare. The first one she's ever had and it has almost killed her. The pain is so severe and constant that she can't do anything.
My eldest is doing well in school. He's currently 1st chair in his section (in the top band). He is currently in auditions for All-Region Band. He made the cut for the 1st round of auditions. The 2nd round is this week. He is constantly on the go working on group projects for school. I never know where he'll need to be after school lets out anymore.
My youngest is also doing well in school. He decided for himself that he would compete in the spelling bee in his grade. I am very proud of him for that goal. In part because he inherited my spelling gene! This will be an effort for him. I'm proud of him for the work he's already done.
My Bible study at church is wrapping up. Only 2 more weeks. The parenting class I help facilitate in our local school district is also wrapping up soon. This group has been so vocal. It's great to see parents helping one another with the unique needs of their gifted kids.
That's about all of note from here. Life with kids very busy. Life with kids and sick parent and sick in-laws us unbelieveably complicated when it comes to being in mulitple places at once. Thank goodness my husband works from home and can tend to his parents (for the most part).
My mom is suffering from a Rheumatoid Arthritis flare. The first one she's ever had and it has almost killed her. The pain is so severe and constant that she can't do anything.
My eldest is doing well in school. He's currently 1st chair in his section (in the top band). He is currently in auditions for All-Region Band. He made the cut for the 1st round of auditions. The 2nd round is this week. He is constantly on the go working on group projects for school. I never know where he'll need to be after school lets out anymore.
My youngest is also doing well in school. He decided for himself that he would compete in the spelling bee in his grade. I am very proud of him for that goal. In part because he inherited my spelling gene! This will be an effort for him. I'm proud of him for the work he's already done.
My Bible study at church is wrapping up. Only 2 more weeks. The parenting class I help facilitate in our local school district is also wrapping up soon. This group has been so vocal. It's great to see parents helping one another with the unique needs of their gifted kids.
That's about all of note from here. Life with kids very busy. Life with kids and sick parent and sick in-laws us unbelieveably complicated when it comes to being in mulitple places at once. Thank goodness my husband works from home and can tend to his parents (for the most part).
Monday, August 23, 2010
Summer 2010
Our summer was long and boring, if you ask my kids. In my opinion, it was the best one in recent memory. For the first time since 2006, neither of my parents spent any time as a patient in any hospital! I am so glad.
So, to fill the time, I got new bedroom furniture for my eldest child. Moved the guest room mattress set to the eldest's room. And then I proceeded to claim the former guest room and turn it into a crafting room for myself. (All of the parents live here and none stay with us, so why do we still need a guest room?)
As a result, the downstairs of the house has been decluttered and all of my crafting things (stamps, fabric, etc.) have been moved upstairs.
Once that was done, the dining room looked really drab. So, I painted the formal dining room this summer. I also cleaned out the master bedroom closet and donated heaps of clothing.
All in all, I had a great, low-key summer!
So, to fill the time, I got new bedroom furniture for my eldest child. Moved the guest room mattress set to the eldest's room. And then I proceeded to claim the former guest room and turn it into a crafting room for myself. (All of the parents live here and none stay with us, so why do we still need a guest room?)
As a result, the downstairs of the house has been decluttered and all of my crafting things (stamps, fabric, etc.) have been moved upstairs.
Once that was done, the dining room looked really drab. So, I painted the formal dining room this summer. I also cleaned out the master bedroom closet and donated heaps of clothing.
All in all, I had a great, low-key summer!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Fluff Widows Weekend!
I completely failed to blog about the scrapbooking/crafting weekend I organized for the 1st weekend in June. Had too much fun, I guess!
The title is accurate, but weird-sounding, so involves a bit of explanation. My husband was once involved as a speaker on the No Fluff, Just Stuff speaking tour. There are many speakers and therefore, many of us wives who are Fluff widows. Our husbands flee their hometowns on an almost weekly basis to travel to cities across the US to present up-to-the-minute talks on the latest developments in the world of computer programming. These are Friday-Sunday conferences, and so the ladies, are left to handle the home routine 8 days a week when the guys are off on the road on the weekends and at work during the week.
Well, we decided it was our turn for fun...because the stories we all hear from the husbands are about the great conversations had over dinners in the evenings AFTER the presentations are finished!
So...I coordinated a weekend at a local B&B that caters to scrapbookers. We have lovely rooms, catered meals and EACH of us gets a 5 foot table. We had a blast. Some of the fluff widows came, and we filled in other spots with friends of mine from church. I think the dining highlight of the weekend was eating at Babe's in Frisco.
We've already decided this should be an annual retreat for the ladies. So, I'm booking the place for next year. Again the 1st weekend in June. If you're a Fluff widow (and you know who you are!) email me and reserve your spot today!
The title is accurate, but weird-sounding, so involves a bit of explanation. My husband was once involved as a speaker on the No Fluff, Just Stuff speaking tour. There are many speakers and therefore, many of us wives who are Fluff widows. Our husbands flee their hometowns on an almost weekly basis to travel to cities across the US to present up-to-the-minute talks on the latest developments in the world of computer programming. These are Friday-Sunday conferences, and so the ladies, are left to handle the home routine 8 days a week when the guys are off on the road on the weekends and at work during the week.
Well, we decided it was our turn for fun...because the stories we all hear from the husbands are about the great conversations had over dinners in the evenings AFTER the presentations are finished!
So...I coordinated a weekend at a local B&B that caters to scrapbookers. We have lovely rooms, catered meals and EACH of us gets a 5 foot table. We had a blast. Some of the fluff widows came, and we filled in other spots with friends of mine from church. I think the dining highlight of the weekend was eating at Babe's in Frisco.
We've already decided this should be an annual retreat for the ladies. So, I'm booking the place for next year. Again the 1st weekend in June. If you're a Fluff widow (and you know who you are!) email me and reserve your spot today!
School is out..
and has been for three weeks and I'm just now getting around to blogging about it!
In May, my oldest DS had a great number of things going on related to the end of school:
* induction into the National Junior Honor Society
* Duke TIP Recognition Ceremony
* End of Year Band concert
* Auditions for placement in band for next year (made the highest band!)
* Signed up to play football! A new adventure.
* Did extremely well on the state assessment tests (was commended, again ;-) )
* Finished up with speech -- hopefully for good!
My youngest finished the school year strong -- he took the state assesment tests for the first time ever and was commended! Very proud!
Now summer is in full swing. We started it off by having belated birthday parties for both boys. Youngest had a swimming party with friends; oldest, a pizza party and Toy Story 3 viewing.
The oldest is involved in many things this summer:
Band camp (two weeks, now over), football conditioning camp (starts Monday), Youth camp at church, & volunteering at VBS @ church.
The youngest has a much more relaxed schedule (thank goodness) and will attend VBS and Kids' camp w/ church.
The only other news here is that the hubby resigned from his old job and has started with another company, doing basicaly the same thing. No move (physically) was required. Thank goodness for companies that allow telecommuting! With both sets of parents in the area, a move just isn't in the cards for us at this time.
So, other than that, it's just a hot, Texas summer.
In May, my oldest DS had a great number of things going on related to the end of school:
* induction into the National Junior Honor Society
* Duke TIP Recognition Ceremony
* End of Year Band concert
* Auditions for placement in band for next year (made the highest band!)
* Signed up to play football! A new adventure.
* Did extremely well on the state assessment tests (was commended, again ;-) )
* Finished up with speech -- hopefully for good!
My youngest finished the school year strong -- he took the state assesment tests for the first time ever and was commended! Very proud!
Now summer is in full swing. We started it off by having belated birthday parties for both boys. Youngest had a swimming party with friends; oldest, a pizza party and Toy Story 3 viewing.
The oldest is involved in many things this summer:
Band camp (two weeks, now over), football conditioning camp (starts Monday), Youth camp at church, & volunteering at VBS @ church.
The youngest has a much more relaxed schedule (thank goodness) and will attend VBS and Kids' camp w/ church.
The only other news here is that the hubby resigned from his old job and has started with another company, doing basicaly the same thing. No move (physically) was required. Thank goodness for companies that allow telecommuting! With both sets of parents in the area, a move just isn't in the cards for us at this time.
So, other than that, it's just a hot, Texas summer.
June Stamp Club
This is the front of the Bookmark Card we made.
Card Base is Bermuda Bay Textured CS
Mat Layer is Melon Mambo
Images were stamped on Whisper White
The Belly Band is the Bermuda Bay Designer Series Paper
Flower was made with the Scallop Circle Punch and retired Rub-ons.
This is the bookmark.
And to make sure the card was still pretty after the bookmark was removed, there's a surprise flower under it.
Card Base is Bermuda Bay Textured CS
Mat Layer is Melon Mambo
Images were stamped on Whisper White
The Belly Band is the Bermuda Bay Designer Series Paper
Flower was made with the Scallop Circle Punch and retired Rub-ons.
This is the bookmark.
And to make sure the card was still pretty after the bookmark was removed, there's a surprise flower under it.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
March Madness
The annual college basketball tournament is here and we're busy wathcing more BB than I thought possible. However, my alma mater is still in the hunt...they play Perdue later this afternoon, so we're waiting on THE game of the day.
I'm busy getting ready to help lead a book discussion/parenting class starting this week. Must finish up the final week of in-depth Bible study. And wait for the overnight snowfall (6" in Plano) to melt, so I can get out and about on the 3rd day of spring. wild, wild weather this winter/spring!
Other things:
Mom: a nephrologist has taken a look at Mom's CT scan and there IS something causing problems with teh right kidney's ureter. No other info has been forthcoming, but a radioactive test was administered and Mom should get those results late this week.
Brother: Still doesn't contact us
Dad: seems to be o.k.
Friends: one filed for divorce last fall and it was granted in Dec. Another filed last month and an agreement has been reached. Yet another friend had to file last week and the soon-to-be ex is just a moron. I had this 'stage of life' where the guys think they are entitled to a younger version of the female species. They've married, taken vows and had children -- ALL the the ones I'm talking about, yet they "aren't happy" so it's o.k. to chase skirts. My word.
I guess that's all for now.
I'm busy getting ready to help lead a book discussion/parenting class starting this week. Must finish up the final week of in-depth Bible study. And wait for the overnight snowfall (6" in Plano) to melt, so I can get out and about on the 3rd day of spring. wild, wild weather this winter/spring!
Other things:
Mom: a nephrologist has taken a look at Mom's CT scan and there IS something causing problems with teh right kidney's ureter. No other info has been forthcoming, but a radioactive test was administered and Mom should get those results late this week.
Brother: Still doesn't contact us
Dad: seems to be o.k.
Friends: one filed for divorce last fall and it was granted in Dec. Another filed last month and an agreement has been reached. Yet another friend had to file last week and the soon-to-be ex is just a moron. I had this 'stage of life' where the guys think they are entitled to a younger version of the female species. They've married, taken vows and had children -- ALL the the ones I'm talking about, yet they "aren't happy" so it's o.k. to chase skirts. My word.
I guess that's all for now.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Slightly better news
Mom's urologist was encouraging last week when we met with her.
First, mom does not have a tumor or anything on her kidney. The issue is that the ureter (tube from kidney to bladder) looks like it gets 'pinched closed' at the point where the arteries and veins for the legs cross over the ureter. So, they can't really see what's going on.
Mom had a sonogram done today to check that area out again. If the ureter still looks like it's pinched closed, the urologist will do a radioactive dye test next to test mom's kidney function. If the rt. kidney is functioning w/in normal bounds, we won't do anything else. But if the rt. kidney's function IS compromised, the urologist will do a procedure to look up in the ureter to see what's causing the blockage/pinch.
AS for the nodules in Mom's lungs...still no plan for further tests yet.
First, mom does not have a tumor or anything on her kidney. The issue is that the ureter (tube from kidney to bladder) looks like it gets 'pinched closed' at the point where the arteries and veins for the legs cross over the ureter. So, they can't really see what's going on.
Mom had a sonogram done today to check that area out again. If the ureter still looks like it's pinched closed, the urologist will do a radioactive dye test next to test mom's kidney function. If the rt. kidney is functioning w/in normal bounds, we won't do anything else. But if the rt. kidney's function IS compromised, the urologist will do a procedure to look up in the ureter to see what's causing the blockage/pinch.
AS for the nodules in Mom's lungs...still no plan for further tests yet.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
D$)%(^*
Mom had a CT scan last week the 3rd check up since her cancer surgery last May. Results came back today. Mom has 'something' blocking the outflow of the right kidney. And the oncologist has ordered a PET scan for mom as her lungs have nodules in them.
I feel stupid for feeling 'safe' about her health. She's survived cancer 3 times.
I am not happy. stunned I guess.
WE see her urologist Friday morning to see what else we can learn about the problem with the kidney.
I feel stupid for feeling 'safe' about her health. She's survived cancer 3 times.
I am not happy. stunned I guess.
WE see her urologist Friday morning to see what else we can learn about the problem with the kidney.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
February 2010 so far
Well...a recap of the past 4 weeks:
* took a cruise w/ hubby and some of his geek friends and their wives. Had a good time. Made new friends and hope to see the ladies again in June for a crafting weekend. Woo Hoo! The guys will be in Dallas for a conference, so the wives should have fun too!
* Oldest DS competed in ensemble and solo competitions during our cruise and made a 1 on both of his pieces. YAY!!! Then his band director pulled him into an ensemble where a student didn't show up (!) and DS made a 1 on that one too! And he was sightreading the music. So proud! Did you get hit by a button as it popped off my shirt? lol
* youngest DS is now 10. Cannot believe it. Where'd the time go? Must still organize the birthday party, but he had a great time sharing a giant chocolate chip cookie cake with his classmates at school.
* I'm doing the administrative part of starting up a SENG Model Parenting Group -- a discussion group for parent of gifted kids as we read our way through Jim Webb's book. That's coming together nicely.
* I had a great time last week making rehearsal dinner invitations with a friend for her son's upcoming wedding.
* Lastly, saw both my GP and endocrinologist in the past month and BOTH are very please with my HA1C number.
Life is good.
* took a cruise w/ hubby and some of his geek friends and their wives. Had a good time. Made new friends and hope to see the ladies again in June for a crafting weekend. Woo Hoo! The guys will be in Dallas for a conference, so the wives should have fun too!
* Oldest DS competed in ensemble and solo competitions during our cruise and made a 1 on both of his pieces. YAY!!! Then his band director pulled him into an ensemble where a student didn't show up (!) and DS made a 1 on that one too! And he was sightreading the music. So proud! Did you get hit by a button as it popped off my shirt? lol
* youngest DS is now 10. Cannot believe it. Where'd the time go? Must still organize the birthday party, but he had a great time sharing a giant chocolate chip cookie cake with his classmates at school.
* I'm doing the administrative part of starting up a SENG Model Parenting Group -- a discussion group for parent of gifted kids as we read our way through Jim Webb's book. That's coming together nicely.
* I had a great time last week making rehearsal dinner invitations with a friend for her son's upcoming wedding.
* Lastly, saw both my GP and endocrinologist in the past month and BOTH are very please with my HA1C number.
Life is good.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
New Year 2010
Well here it is a month into the new year and I'm just now posting.
I recovered from the germ I had before Christmas. We had a nice, low-key family celebration and then proceeded to be hermits for the rest of Christmas break. I liked it!
New year's here and so are all the new things we are doing. I have to brag on my oldest DS first of all! He tried out for all-region band before Thanksgiving and was named first alternate for the trombones. Oh my...to have missed it by one was hard for him. But he adjusted. Then this past weekend, on Friday night we got a call. One of the trombonists had not been able to participate and my son was 'called up' to All-Region Band! Woo Hoo! He arrived at their Fri. night rehearsal and worked on Saturday as well. His band performed after about 8 hrs practice total. It was awesome! I'm so proud of him!
He also had a chair test yesterday and he moved up two chairs spots. He's loving band and I'm happy that he does.
My youngest had been reading like crazy this week. That *always* make me happy. Esp. after we had to repeat a grade due to reading delays. He's set himself a goal of how many minutes he wants to read this week and he may blow past that goal today.
But the best part of this post..hubby and I are off for a get away. We're meeting some of his speaking tour buddies and their wives for a short cruise. It's been over a year since we've been away. Man am I glad my parents are here to keep the kids!
But I still have to take my Bible Study books, as I'm a leader and must be ready for next Wedesday. So...here's to a looooong weekend on the cruise ship, fun, sun and a little work, but mostly time away with my sweetie.
I recovered from the germ I had before Christmas. We had a nice, low-key family celebration and then proceeded to be hermits for the rest of Christmas break. I liked it!
New year's here and so are all the new things we are doing. I have to brag on my oldest DS first of all! He tried out for all-region band before Thanksgiving and was named first alternate for the trombones. Oh my...to have missed it by one was hard for him. But he adjusted. Then this past weekend, on Friday night we got a call. One of the trombonists had not been able to participate and my son was 'called up' to All-Region Band! Woo Hoo! He arrived at their Fri. night rehearsal and worked on Saturday as well. His band performed after about 8 hrs practice total. It was awesome! I'm so proud of him!
He also had a chair test yesterday and he moved up two chairs spots. He's loving band and I'm happy that he does.
My youngest had been reading like crazy this week. That *always* make me happy. Esp. after we had to repeat a grade due to reading delays. He's set himself a goal of how many minutes he wants to read this week and he may blow past that goal today.
But the best part of this post..hubby and I are off for a get away. We're meeting some of his speaking tour buddies and their wives for a short cruise. It's been over a year since we've been away. Man am I glad my parents are here to keep the kids!
But I still have to take my Bible Study books, as I'm a leader and must be ready for next Wedesday. So...here's to a looooong weekend on the cruise ship, fun, sun and a little work, but mostly time away with my sweetie.
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