Monday was the only day this week we worked 10 hours. Tuesday, however, we worked 12. Wednesday was normal. And yesterday was weird. We didn’t get much produced, but it was due to trouble with the machines. Today will be quick, we have extra time at lunch for a cookout and I’m in packaging all day. I have a hugely important inventory to get done for one of our biggest contract companies—I’ll just have to squeeze that in, too.
Wednesday afternoon, my supervisor was helping me since the hubs I was working with were needing to be scrubbed before they were studded. At one point he looked at me and said he saw butterscotch bits in his future. I smiled because I knew exactly where he was heading with the comment. He then went on to say that we were having our cookout today and I’d be more than welcome to bring my haystack dessert (melted butterscotch chips with chow mein noodles stirred in dropped by a spoon to make little haystack looking cookies). So I had Beth pick me up my two ingredients and I was up at 4am this morning making them.
I was up so early because I was in bed before 9:00 last night. I have been battling a cold since last week. It got “I’m almost ready to make a doctor’s appointment” bad about Tuesday. Tuesday night I could barely sleep. Wednesday was even worse. I was up at 3:30 trying to cough up a lung. Last night was a little better, thankfully.
I woke up at about 3:00 this morning, coughing. So I popped a Halls Fruit Breezer into my mouth. I switched to these since I was using so many. It was still in my mouth when I got up and decided to make the haystacks. Eureka! I think I found the next best appetite suppressant. I ALWAYS lick out the pan when I make haystacks. There’s no sense in letting even a little butterscotch go to waste. This morning I didn’t even lick my fingers when I was done. I washed the pan immediately upon scooping out the last of the scotchy covered noodles and then just stood there amazed. I think I’m going to buy stock.
This weekend is our community’s annual balloon fest. Ann, Travis and the kids are coming over. Nelson is really excited. Last year he could only listen to the balloons flying over since he had just had his first surgery and wasn’t getting out of bed, let alone going anywhere. They’re offering tethered balloon rides—I wish he could get one. For his 50th birthday I’m going to try and get him a real ride in one. I will stand on the ground and wave—not going to see this girl up in a hot air balloon!
Wednesday morning held one more wonderful surprise for me. When I go on the scales I had lost 25lbs! That put me back in Onederland. Oh the absolute joy of seeing a 1 at the beginning of my weight was…well, I felt…words can barely describe the elation!!! That have motivated my non-licking ways this morning, too. So, since the first of the year I’ve lost 28lbs and since I started Nutrisystem 2/16 I’ve lost 25lbs. It’s coming off very slowly and that’s way okay, because I am really changing the way I eat and it’s really becoming more of a way of life. And it feels good!
Well, I guess I should push away from this now and get my meals packed for the day and head myself off to work. Have a light-hearted silly-smile-on-your-face kind of day!
Friday, June 30, 2006
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Parts and Teeth
I haven’t written much late…about life that is. This week I wrote a small group study related to the text for Pastor’s sermon on Sunday. I also prepared Sunday school lessons for this week and next. I’m really quite excited about the opportunity I have to teach for two weeks.
Nelson had his appointment on Friday with the ankle doctor and the Rehab/Vocational caseworker. It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since the accident. At this visit he talked to the doctor about some restricted movement in his toes. The doc did an x-ray and some of the wires that were put in there last July are pushing against his tendon---so we’re looking at another surgery and soon (as soon as BWC approves it). The good news is that the Rehab/Vocational worker was there and things are definitely going to move ahead. She assured him that she would now be at all his appointments and make sure that things keep moving. He’s even going to get a raise!!!
Asher got his first tooth!!! He had a really rough day on Wednesday---fussy to the nth degree. And voila! There it was and the really cool thing was that Beth was the one who found it. Beth just came home---Asher has his second tooth, now!
On a personal note…I just don’t know. I get up. I work. I go home physically exhausted. I play with the baby, rock him to sleep. And I go to bed. Then I start all over the next day. I feel as emotionally exhausted as I am physically exhausted.
We were packaging this week. It was rough at first. I was tentative. The peacemaker/people pleaser came out in full force. It was unnerving. The thing that really made it hard was a major misunderstanding that I had with D. She was fighting hurt feelings at feeling replaced. I gave her some space and she took that all wrong. We finally talked it out on Thursday. She understands that we’re a team. There are strengths that we both bring to this position. I will lead at some times and then she’ll have her turn.
There were some things that then happened that helped me lose that tentative feeling. I was able to fix a few problems and answer some questions. We’ve been approved to manufacture a new part and there are orders in excess of 14K for July and August. I researched the situation and realized that we didn’t have a box to package it in on the one hand, or that we would be packaging it in a box that is like pulling teeth to get enough of. I become pro-active and made some calls to start the process to ensure that we would have enough boxes. It felt really good.
Wednesday through today I was back on line. D and I worked out a really good system for gaging and packing the parts. The guys we have worked with at the end look at the “positions” and work one position at a time. D and I anticipate each other’s moves and work in concert with each other completing the entire process as one movement. The whole end is our responsibility, not one position. Consequently, we were able to put out 1191 parts one day and today in only 6 hours we put out 827. Our numbers were good, but better than that was the feeling of accomplishment.
Sunday morning:
This morning I taught our Sunday school class. I used the book “The Red Sea Rules 10 God Given Strategies for Difficult Times.” We got through the first 3 and addressed the next. I got some really positive feedback and encouragement. One lady told me that she finally felt like someone understood her. Another said that she wished I taught her Bible study. And yet another just cornered me with some questions that she didn’t feel comfortable asking in front of the larger class. I was so hyped when it was over. I’m excited beyond words to have the chance to teach again next Sunday!
This week is crunch time at work. We have several large orders due for July 10 so we’ll be going in at 5am until further notice. Ten hour days! It’s going to be a financial blessing—I’ll keep reminding myself of that when my arms feel like they’re going to fall off and my legs are all bruised up. It’s all good.
Well, it’s time to feed the baby. Until later.
Nelson had his appointment on Friday with the ankle doctor and the Rehab/Vocational caseworker. It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since the accident. At this visit he talked to the doctor about some restricted movement in his toes. The doc did an x-ray and some of the wires that were put in there last July are pushing against his tendon---so we’re looking at another surgery and soon (as soon as BWC approves it). The good news is that the Rehab/Vocational worker was there and things are definitely going to move ahead. She assured him that she would now be at all his appointments and make sure that things keep moving. He’s even going to get a raise!!!
Asher got his first tooth!!! He had a really rough day on Wednesday---fussy to the nth degree. And voila! There it was and the really cool thing was that Beth was the one who found it. Beth just came home---Asher has his second tooth, now!
On a personal note…I just don’t know. I get up. I work. I go home physically exhausted. I play with the baby, rock him to sleep. And I go to bed. Then I start all over the next day. I feel as emotionally exhausted as I am physically exhausted.
We were packaging this week. It was rough at first. I was tentative. The peacemaker/people pleaser came out in full force. It was unnerving. The thing that really made it hard was a major misunderstanding that I had with D. She was fighting hurt feelings at feeling replaced. I gave her some space and she took that all wrong. We finally talked it out on Thursday. She understands that we’re a team. There are strengths that we both bring to this position. I will lead at some times and then she’ll have her turn.
There were some things that then happened that helped me lose that tentative feeling. I was able to fix a few problems and answer some questions. We’ve been approved to manufacture a new part and there are orders in excess of 14K for July and August. I researched the situation and realized that we didn’t have a box to package it in on the one hand, or that we would be packaging it in a box that is like pulling teeth to get enough of. I become pro-active and made some calls to start the process to ensure that we would have enough boxes. It felt really good.
Wednesday through today I was back on line. D and I worked out a really good system for gaging and packing the parts. The guys we have worked with at the end look at the “positions” and work one position at a time. D and I anticipate each other’s moves and work in concert with each other completing the entire process as one movement. The whole end is our responsibility, not one position. Consequently, we were able to put out 1191 parts one day and today in only 6 hours we put out 827. Our numbers were good, but better than that was the feeling of accomplishment.
Sunday morning:
This morning I taught our Sunday school class. I used the book “The Red Sea Rules 10 God Given Strategies for Difficult Times.” We got through the first 3 and addressed the next. I got some really positive feedback and encouragement. One lady told me that she finally felt like someone understood her. Another said that she wished I taught her Bible study. And yet another just cornered me with some questions that she didn’t feel comfortable asking in front of the larger class. I was so hyped when it was over. I’m excited beyond words to have the chance to teach again next Sunday!
This week is crunch time at work. We have several large orders due for July 10 so we’ll be going in at 5am until further notice. Ten hour days! It’s going to be a financial blessing—I’ll keep reminding myself of that when my arms feel like they’re going to fall off and my legs are all bruised up. It’s all good.
Well, it’s time to feed the baby. Until later.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Flying Week
Thursday:
Well, my nail on my right ring finger is a unique peachy color with a few dark violet streaks. People pay big bucks to have nail art…and all I had to do was be clumsy!
We’re still eating well too. I mowed the yard after things cooled down this evening and when I turned off the mower Nelson came out to the porch with a homemade fruit smoothie. It was beyond luscious!!
Nelson finally has an appointment scheduled for his work rehab/vocational rehab evaluation. This new worker is really on the ball. She scheduled the appointment for the 23rd at the doctor’s office when Nelson has his next appointment so she can access all the doctor’s report and the doctor if she needs to. And now that Nelson has transportation (he’ll drive the Kia and I’ll be driving the truck—Chevy S10) he’ll be able to go to their training.
Update on Rhonda: she came home today. She was thankful to be home and get some rest. She said that last night at 1am the nurse came in to get her vitals and then got upset that there wasn’t a “trash” bag hanging on her bed so she went through all kinds of noise and complaining—seems crazy to me.
And work for me…I’m back supervising packaging. That is when there’s stuff to package. There are several new contracts so I’ll probably be quite busy. The group was doing some very easy packaging so I was working on the hub line and keeping an ear and eye on the packing group. That was a bit of a challenge.
Friday:
I worked packaging all day. My time was split between making cartons and solving problems. I caught an error and was able to smooth things out—it felt really good.
After work I drove up to Rhonda’s with Asher. We spent the night and all day with Rhonda. She was quite happy to have us there on Saturday, as was Steve, so that she didn’t have to be in the house alone while Steve was out mowing their HUGE property. It was such a nice day to just hang out together. She’s doing so well too. She made breakfast and lunch. She rocked Asher to sleep in the afternoon—that was good therapy!
Sunday:
Today Nelson, Beth, Asher and I went to Ann’s. Ann and Travis invited us over for Caden’s dedication at church and then we stayed for lunch (which I brought and made). It was a wonderful afternoon playing with the grandbabies! We left shortly after Annie got home.
I finished a really enjoyable fiction series. It’s written by a Christian author, so it has a definite bent. It’s called “The O’Malley” series. Each of the six books is about one of the seven siblings in a family. They’re mystery, romance, suspense in nature. I really enjoyed the author’s style: it kept me reading and looking forward to the next volume. And now I’m done and I’ll confess: I want more! The surprising thing to me is how much I’ve enjoyed reading fiction. I had gotten so far away from it when I was a student or pastor/counselor and only read things related to work. There just wasn’t time to read for pleasure. It’s been a nice change of pace.
And now it’s time for bed. Time flies. It just flies.
Well, my nail on my right ring finger is a unique peachy color with a few dark violet streaks. People pay big bucks to have nail art…and all I had to do was be clumsy!
We’re still eating well too. I mowed the yard after things cooled down this evening and when I turned off the mower Nelson came out to the porch with a homemade fruit smoothie. It was beyond luscious!!
Nelson finally has an appointment scheduled for his work rehab/vocational rehab evaluation. This new worker is really on the ball. She scheduled the appointment for the 23rd at the doctor’s office when Nelson has his next appointment so she can access all the doctor’s report and the doctor if she needs to. And now that Nelson has transportation (he’ll drive the Kia and I’ll be driving the truck—Chevy S10) he’ll be able to go to their training.
Update on Rhonda: she came home today. She was thankful to be home and get some rest. She said that last night at 1am the nurse came in to get her vitals and then got upset that there wasn’t a “trash” bag hanging on her bed so she went through all kinds of noise and complaining—seems crazy to me.
And work for me…I’m back supervising packaging. That is when there’s stuff to package. There are several new contracts so I’ll probably be quite busy. The group was doing some very easy packaging so I was working on the hub line and keeping an ear and eye on the packing group. That was a bit of a challenge.
Friday:
I worked packaging all day. My time was split between making cartons and solving problems. I caught an error and was able to smooth things out—it felt really good.
After work I drove up to Rhonda’s with Asher. We spent the night and all day with Rhonda. She was quite happy to have us there on Saturday, as was Steve, so that she didn’t have to be in the house alone while Steve was out mowing their HUGE property. It was such a nice day to just hang out together. She’s doing so well too. She made breakfast and lunch. She rocked Asher to sleep in the afternoon—that was good therapy!
Sunday:
Today Nelson, Beth, Asher and I went to Ann’s. Ann and Travis invited us over for Caden’s dedication at church and then we stayed for lunch (which I brought and made). It was a wonderful afternoon playing with the grandbabies! We left shortly after Annie got home.
I finished a really enjoyable fiction series. It’s written by a Christian author, so it has a definite bent. It’s called “The O’Malley” series. Each of the six books is about one of the seven siblings in a family. They’re mystery, romance, suspense in nature. I really enjoyed the author’s style: it kept me reading and looking forward to the next volume. And now I’m done and I’ll confess: I want more! The surprising thing to me is how much I’ve enjoyed reading fiction. I had gotten so far away from it when I was a student or pastor/counselor and only read things related to work. There just wasn’t time to read for pleasure. It’s been a nice change of pace.
And now it’s time for bed. Time flies. It just flies.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Update
I talked with Steve. Rhonda has recovered about 90%. She had an MRI and MRA this morning. Tomorrow she's having a TE (don't know what it stands for...come to think of it, I don't know what an MRA is either) to check for a whole in or on her heart. She was born with a heart defect and had open heart surgery as a young child. She had this all checked out last year at the Cleveland Clinic--and they gave her a clean bill. They had her up and walking today, too.
I forgot to let you know about our best buy at a garage sale yesterday. We went to a garage sale and bought a van. It's a 97 Voyager with power everything. We paid $900 for it. We bought it for Beth since she's had a pick up and it's not the best thing for carting around a baby. Her beau has had it this afternoon giving it a tune up and checking it out (he has training from the career center in auto mechanics). He's had to add a few things and found a whole in one of the hoses, but it still seems to have been a good buy!
My fingers are still a little numb, but I think I'll be okay for work tomorrow. They hurt a little this morning when I played my guitar for worship team.
Eating victory! Nelson and I went out to luch with his former boss' family and some other friends. They picked a nearby Steak and Buffet (Golden Corral). Nelson has always had a really big problem with control at a buffet--especially this one! Well, my sweetheart ate healthy and extremely disciplined. In the past he ate and ate so that he would be sure to "get his money's worth." Today, he ate a tiny fraction of what he used to--and so did I!
Well, I think I'm going to read for a while. TTFN
I forgot to let you know about our best buy at a garage sale yesterday. We went to a garage sale and bought a van. It's a 97 Voyager with power everything. We paid $900 for it. We bought it for Beth since she's had a pick up and it's not the best thing for carting around a baby. Her beau has had it this afternoon giving it a tune up and checking it out (he has training from the career center in auto mechanics). He's had to add a few things and found a whole in one of the hoses, but it still seems to have been a good buy!
My fingers are still a little numb, but I think I'll be okay for work tomorrow. They hurt a little this morning when I played my guitar for worship team.
Eating victory! Nelson and I went out to luch with his former boss' family and some other friends. They picked a nearby Steak and Buffet (Golden Corral). Nelson has always had a really big problem with control at a buffet--especially this one! Well, my sweetheart ate healthy and extremely disciplined. In the past he ate and ate so that he would be sure to "get his money's worth." Today, he ate a tiny fraction of what he used to--and so did I!
Well, I think I'm going to read for a while. TTFN
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Stroke
My best friend had a stroke today. I’ve mentioned her, Rhonda. We’ve been friends since college. We roomed together there and together at Cedar Point. She was married to my brother and had my niece and nephew before they were divorced. I’ve been so thankful that in the last couple years we’ve really had the opportunity to reconnect and deepen our friendship.
I got the call this afternoon from one of her friends where she lives, about an hour from me. She had the stroke this morning around 8:30am and was aphasic until after 12:30. They gave her some medication that really helped. I drove to the hospital and spent from 5:45 until 8:15. I was surprised that the ICU nurses let me stay that long, but really quite happy about it, too.
When I walked into her room, we met eyes and both started to cry. She looked the nurse and told her that I was her very best friend in the world. Of course, needing to better that, told the nurse that Rhonda was/is my very best friend in the universe.
We talked about so many things, from college and Cedar Point and lots of things that made us laugh and cry. The thing that broke my heart was when she looked at me and told me that she wasn’t ready to die. We talked about how hard it was to pray right now.
I left when the friend who had called me came back to the hospital.
Then I drove home. I thought the drive to the hospital was tough, but it was nothing compared to driving home. An hour is a long time when there’s a ton of stuff racing through your mind. I kept thinking of people I wanted to contact and make sure that they knew that I loved them. Life is fragile. It is fleeting.
I remember hearing that John Wesley (the man attributed with the founding of the Methodist Church) was asked if he would live any differently if he knew that he only had 24 hours to live. He responded by telling the questioner he would change nothing. And I wondered about what I would change. Would I take the day off? Who would I call? Who would I spend those hours with? What would I be sure to eat? (You had to know there would be food involved!)
When I got home, Nelson was quick to ask me how I was doing. I told him better than Steve (Rhonda’s husband). His first wife died of a heart attack (from an undiagnosed heart condition). His present wife had a stroke. He was a basket case. I thought long about how I would if it had been Nelson.
I just have this urge to hug everyone I love. I thought of several people I’ve lost touch with and how I want to reconnect with them. Good thing I have free long distance minutes.
I got the call this afternoon from one of her friends where she lives, about an hour from me. She had the stroke this morning around 8:30am and was aphasic until after 12:30. They gave her some medication that really helped. I drove to the hospital and spent from 5:45 until 8:15. I was surprised that the ICU nurses let me stay that long, but really quite happy about it, too.
When I walked into her room, we met eyes and both started to cry. She looked the nurse and told her that I was her very best friend in the world. Of course, needing to better that, told the nurse that Rhonda was/is my very best friend in the universe.
We talked about so many things, from college and Cedar Point and lots of things that made us laugh and cry. The thing that broke my heart was when she looked at me and told me that she wasn’t ready to die. We talked about how hard it was to pray right now.
I left when the friend who had called me came back to the hospital.
Then I drove home. I thought the drive to the hospital was tough, but it was nothing compared to driving home. An hour is a long time when there’s a ton of stuff racing through your mind. I kept thinking of people I wanted to contact and make sure that they knew that I loved them. Life is fragile. It is fleeting.
I remember hearing that John Wesley (the man attributed with the founding of the Methodist Church) was asked if he would live any differently if he knew that he only had 24 hours to live. He responded by telling the questioner he would change nothing. And I wondered about what I would change. Would I take the day off? Who would I call? Who would I spend those hours with? What would I be sure to eat? (You had to know there would be food involved!)
When I got home, Nelson was quick to ask me how I was doing. I told him better than Steve (Rhonda’s husband). His first wife died of a heart attack (from an undiagnosed heart condition). His present wife had a stroke. He was a basket case. I thought long about how I would if it had been Nelson.
I just have this urge to hug everyone I love. I thought of several people I’ve lost touch with and how I want to reconnect with them. Good thing I have free long distance minutes.
Easy LIke Saturday Morning
It’s Saturday morning and I am sitting in the beauty and quiet of my living room. I not only survived my excursion into insane babysitting…I did pretty well. Of course it helped that all three of the darlings took a nice long nap at the same time!
A couple months ago, while on one of my shopping sprees at my favorite shop (aka Goodwill) I found a Little Tikes car for Pnel to tool around in while she was here. It was way cool, with a sun roof, doors that opened and closed, and a woody panel down the side. And I only paid $4 for it! I pulled it of the garage for her and she was in toy heaven during the visit. I sat out with her on Wednesday evening and she had a ball. The biggest trouble we had was getting her to come in at bedtime.
Thursday night after they left I had called Beth out to the garage so she could smell the honeysuckle—it’s breathtakingly wonderful! I was also putting Pnels’ car away when I got distracted and caught my fingers in the door. I didn’t break the skin, and fortunately it doesn’t look like I’ll have nasty black and blue blood blisters. My middle finger and ring finger are still a bit numb (makes typing feel kinda funny). Yesterday at work I had to do a job where I could avoid putting pressure on those two fingers.
Nelson has been making some great strides. He cooked dinner all week. It was sooooooo nice! He’s such a good and creative cook. Yesterday after I got home from work he drove to the nearby town and did some more grocery shopping—by himself! I’m very proud of him. Oh, and this week he did something really major. When we lived in Kansas City (87-91), Nelson had a baseball card shop. Over the years he’s been selling it off. A major portion of it went in the bankruptcy auction. Anyway, this week, he sold another sizeable portion, including a chunk of what he had been keeping as his personal collection. It was a sacrifice, but he made it. He’s just an amazing man.
This morning we’re going garage saling. We used to do this a lot. Nelson loves to get a bargain. We’ll probably buy lots for the little ones—that’s the fun part of being a grandparent.
A couple months ago, while on one of my shopping sprees at my favorite shop (aka Goodwill) I found a Little Tikes car for Pnel to tool around in while she was here. It was way cool, with a sun roof, doors that opened and closed, and a woody panel down the side. And I only paid $4 for it! I pulled it of the garage for her and she was in toy heaven during the visit. I sat out with her on Wednesday evening and she had a ball. The biggest trouble we had was getting her to come in at bedtime.
Thursday night after they left I had called Beth out to the garage so she could smell the honeysuckle—it’s breathtakingly wonderful! I was also putting Pnels’ car away when I got distracted and caught my fingers in the door. I didn’t break the skin, and fortunately it doesn’t look like I’ll have nasty black and blue blood blisters. My middle finger and ring finger are still a bit numb (makes typing feel kinda funny). Yesterday at work I had to do a job where I could avoid putting pressure on those two fingers.
Nelson has been making some great strides. He cooked dinner all week. It was sooooooo nice! He’s such a good and creative cook. Yesterday after I got home from work he drove to the nearby town and did some more grocery shopping—by himself! I’m very proud of him. Oh, and this week he did something really major. When we lived in Kansas City (87-91), Nelson had a baseball card shop. Over the years he’s been selling it off. A major portion of it went in the bankruptcy auction. Anyway, this week, he sold another sizeable portion, including a chunk of what he had been keeping as his personal collection. It was a sacrifice, but he made it. He’s just an amazing man.
This morning we’re going garage saling. We used to do this a lot. Nelson loves to get a bargain. We’ll probably buy lots for the little ones—that’s the fun part of being a grandparent.
Easy LIke Saturday Morning
It’s Saturday morning and I am sitting in the beauty and quiet of my living room. I not only survived my excursion into insane babysitting…I did pretty well. Of course it helped that all three of the darlings took a nice long nap at the same time!
A couple months ago, while on one of my shopping sprees at my favorite shop (aka Goodwill) I found a Little Tikes car for Pnel to tool around in while she was here. It was way cool, with a sun roof, doors that opened and closed, and a woody panel down the side. And I only paid $4 for it! I pulled it of the garage for her and she was in toy heaven during the visit. I sat out with her on Wednesday evening and she had a ball. The biggest trouble we had was getting her to come in at bedtime.
Thursday night after they left I had called Beth out to the garage so she could smell the honeysuckle—it’s breathtakingly wonderful! I was also putting Pnels’ car away when I got distracted and caught my fingers in the door. I didn’t break the skin, and fortunately it doesn’t look like I’ll have nasty black and blue blood blisters. My middle finger and ring finger are still a bit numb (makes typing feel kinda funny). Yesterday at work I had to do a job where I could avoid putting pressure on those two fingers.
Nelson has been making some great strides. He cooked dinner all week. It was sooooooo nice! He’s such a good and creative cook. Yesterday after I got home from work he drove to the nearby town and did some more grocery shopping—by himself! I’m very proud of him. Oh, and this week he did something really major. When we lived in Kansas City (87-91), Nelson had a baseball card shop. Over the years he’s been selling it off. A major portion of it went in the bankruptcy auction. Anyway, this week, he sold another sizeable portion, including a chunk of what he had been keeping as his personal collection. It was a sacrifice, but he made it. He’s just an amazing man.
This morning we’re going garage saling. We used to do this a lot. Nelson loves to get a bargain. We’ll probably buy lots for the little ones—that’s the fun part of being a grandparent.
A couple months ago, while on one of my shopping sprees at my favorite shop (aka Goodwill) I found a Little Tikes car for Pnel to tool around in while she was here. It was way cool, with a sun roof, doors that opened and closed, and a woody panel down the side. And I only paid $4 for it! I pulled it of the garage for her and she was in toy heaven during the visit. I sat out with her on Wednesday evening and she had a ball. The biggest trouble we had was getting her to come in at bedtime.
Thursday night after they left I had called Beth out to the garage so she could smell the honeysuckle—it’s breathtakingly wonderful! I was also putting Pnels’ car away when I got distracted and caught my fingers in the door. I didn’t break the skin, and fortunately it doesn’t look like I’ll have nasty black and blue blood blisters. My middle finger and ring finger are still a bit numb (makes typing feel kinda funny). Yesterday at work I had to do a job where I could avoid putting pressure on those two fingers.
Nelson has been making some great strides. He cooked dinner all week. It was sooooooo nice! He’s such a good and creative cook. Yesterday after I got home from work he drove to the nearby town and did some more grocery shopping—by himself! I’m very proud of him. Oh, and this week he did something really major. When we lived in Kansas City (87-91), Nelson had a baseball card shop. Over the years he’s been selling it off. A major portion of it went in the bankruptcy auction. Anyway, this week, he sold another sizeable portion, including a chunk of what he had been keeping as his personal collection. It was a sacrifice, but he made it. He’s just an amazing man.
This morning we’re going garage saling. We used to do this a lot. Nelson loves to get a bargain. We’ll probably buy lots for the little ones—that’s the fun part of being a grandparent.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
A Thank-full Update
After several marathon phone sessions, it appears that Nelson has had his BWC benefits reinstated—at least until July 2. He has some issues to take up with the doctor. It appears that the doctor misrepresented some things in his correspondence with BWC.
I’m back at work. I was afraid that I was going to be sore to the nth degree after being off a week, but so far it’s bearable. We may get to work Saturday, too and that will be a blessing.
I’m so proud of my daughter. (The younger in this case…I’m really quite proud of the both…but I digress) When things were looking tight, and downright bleak financially, Nelson told her that he may need help paying a couple of household bills and she came up with cash to cover the electric and water just like that (snaps fingers) and never even complained. I think she’s actually appreciating living with us. It’s so cool to see them grow up and become responsible. I love watching her with Asher.
And while we’re on the topic of daughters…Annie will be here today with Pnel and Caden. They’re going to be here until tomorrow evening. Nelson suggested I watch all three of the sweeties so he and Annie could have some quality time. I think I may be able to handle that…wonder if I can get a nap in at work?
The quality time will involve grocery shopping. Nelson has been adding activity to his daily routine. Monday evening he and I went to the local grocery and we walked around half of the store. It really exhausted him, but he felt really good about it. He’s been cooking and washing dishes, too. I’m quite proud of him.
Nelson also purchased a few books off ebay’s half.com about the glycemic index and eating low and healthy GI foods. He’s been very conscientious about his diet and appears to have lost a few pounds. And he’s keeping me on track too!
Now, I need to scoot. Hubs and bearings are calling my name! TTFN
I’m back at work. I was afraid that I was going to be sore to the nth degree after being off a week, but so far it’s bearable. We may get to work Saturday, too and that will be a blessing.
I’m so proud of my daughter. (The younger in this case…I’m really quite proud of the both…but I digress) When things were looking tight, and downright bleak financially, Nelson told her that he may need help paying a couple of household bills and she came up with cash to cover the electric and water just like that (snaps fingers) and never even complained. I think she’s actually appreciating living with us. It’s so cool to see them grow up and become responsible. I love watching her with Asher.
And while we’re on the topic of daughters…Annie will be here today with Pnel and Caden. They’re going to be here until tomorrow evening. Nelson suggested I watch all three of the sweeties so he and Annie could have some quality time. I think I may be able to handle that…wonder if I can get a nap in at work?
The quality time will involve grocery shopping. Nelson has been adding activity to his daily routine. Monday evening he and I went to the local grocery and we walked around half of the store. It really exhausted him, but he felt really good about it. He’s been cooking and washing dishes, too. I’m quite proud of him.
Nelson also purchased a few books off ebay’s half.com about the glycemic index and eating low and healthy GI foods. He’s been very conscientious about his diet and appears to have lost a few pounds. And he’s keeping me on track too!
Now, I need to scoot. Hubs and bearings are calling my name! TTFN
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Back Home
Hi! I made it back last night. It was good to sleep on my pillow!
The Scrabble marathon went 34-29-1: I won! Good thing we ended when we did! I was starting to really fall apart. Nelson said I shouldn't beat up on my mom so badly--I said if she even thought that I was not playing all out she'd bop me good and hard right on the head!
This morning for church I did one of my monologues. This one doesn't have the depth of the Peter monologue, but it allowed me to be playful and I really enjoyed "hamming" it up. This one is about the Pentecost Experience.
(Comes in singing and rejoicing)
I know the Lord is always with me. (hmmmmmm)He is right beside me...No wonder my heart is filled with joy.
Oh, I'm sorry, I must look a sight. I just can't help myself. I was down at the river with the others and...Why? At the baptisms , of course. With Peter and the others.
Who's Peter? Oh my, you're not from around here, are you? Travelers? Just a guess. Surely, if you had been here any length of time you would know. But don't feel bad, I was a stranger here myself not long ago.
Micah and I had come to Jerusalem to trade spices. Micah had made the trip many times. I had wanted to see the city. I had begged so many times to come with him. I'm not sure why he finally agreed, but neither of us regret the decision!
Shortly after we had arrived we heard some of the venders in the market talking about a group of believers who had been meeting together. Many rumors had been spreading about them. They just stayed locked up together in this upper room.
The venders told us they followed a teacher who had been crucified. They said he had healed many. They even told how he fed over 5000 people with a couple bread rolls and sardines. While Micah did his business I listened to the stories and moved closer and closer to the room.
Then right on the day of Pentecost, as the believers were gathered singing and praying, there was a noise like nothing I had ever heard...or felt.
But it was more than noise--it was energy: POWER! Micah came right over to me. We saw the people come from the house. It was like they were on fire. For a brief instant I felt fear but then I heard them speaking...in all different languages--even mine!!
Some around us tried to explain it away by saying they were drunk. That's when Peter stood up. I was so drawn in by what he said.
It all began to make sense. I had heard the stories from when I was young. We had made up songs to keep us remembering. Now, no longer were they the songs of children.
Peter's words pierced my heart as he spoke of the death of Jesus. Can you believe from the beginning of time it was God's plan to save me...and you too! His love is that great.
Peter told us to turn from our sins and be baptized THEN we would recieve the Holy Spirit.
You wouldn't have believed the way the crowd surged towards Peter. We were SO tired of feeling powerless. So many headed to the river.
It took a couple of days for us to finally get the river's edge. While we waited, we listened with the others to the teachings. We made so many new and special friends. And the times of prayer!! I could almost feel God pressing his ear in to hear us while at the same time he wrapped his strong arms around us.
So there we were surrounded by new friends, more like family. When I finally knelt beside Peter in the water I was just a flutter of emotions. He put his hand upon my head. I went under the water. It was like the heaviest, darkest blanket of winter was lifted off me. I felt like I could fly! I let out a squeal and spun around making quite a splash.
It's been about a week. I spend everyday down at the river, mostly telling my story to those who are seeking. It has been amazing the way everyone has pooled their resources. We know we will go back home--there's a bit of sadness to leaving our new friends...new family. It's hard to leave when so much is still happening.
But, Micah is right; there are friends and family back home who need to hear this. So we will go. Go, with new found power and praise, new found hope, and with hearts filled with joy!!!
The Scrabble marathon went 34-29-1: I won! Good thing we ended when we did! I was starting to really fall apart. Nelson said I shouldn't beat up on my mom so badly--I said if she even thought that I was not playing all out she'd bop me good and hard right on the head!
This morning for church I did one of my monologues. This one doesn't have the depth of the Peter monologue, but it allowed me to be playful and I really enjoyed "hamming" it up. This one is about the Pentecost Experience.
(Comes in singing and rejoicing)
I know the Lord is always with me. (hmmmmmm)He is right beside me...No wonder my heart is filled with joy.
Oh, I'm sorry, I must look a sight. I just can't help myself. I was down at the river with the others and...Why? At the baptisms , of course. With Peter and the others.
Who's Peter? Oh my, you're not from around here, are you? Travelers? Just a guess. Surely, if you had been here any length of time you would know. But don't feel bad, I was a stranger here myself not long ago.
Micah and I had come to Jerusalem to trade spices. Micah had made the trip many times. I had wanted to see the city. I had begged so many times to come with him. I'm not sure why he finally agreed, but neither of us regret the decision!
Shortly after we had arrived we heard some of the venders in the market talking about a group of believers who had been meeting together. Many rumors had been spreading about them. They just stayed locked up together in this upper room.
The venders told us they followed a teacher who had been crucified. They said he had healed many. They even told how he fed over 5000 people with a couple bread rolls and sardines. While Micah did his business I listened to the stories and moved closer and closer to the room.
Then right on the day of Pentecost, as the believers were gathered singing and praying, there was a noise like nothing I had ever heard...or felt.
But it was more than noise--it was energy: POWER! Micah came right over to me. We saw the people come from the house. It was like they were on fire. For a brief instant I felt fear but then I heard them speaking...in all different languages--even mine!!
Some around us tried to explain it away by saying they were drunk. That's when Peter stood up. I was so drawn in by what he said.
It all began to make sense. I had heard the stories from when I was young. We had made up songs to keep us remembering. Now, no longer were they the songs of children.
Peter's words pierced my heart as he spoke of the death of Jesus. Can you believe from the beginning of time it was God's plan to save me...and you too! His love is that great.
Peter told us to turn from our sins and be baptized THEN we would recieve the Holy Spirit.
You wouldn't have believed the way the crowd surged towards Peter. We were SO tired of feeling powerless. So many headed to the river.
It took a couple of days for us to finally get the river's edge. While we waited, we listened with the others to the teachings. We made so many new and special friends. And the times of prayer!! I could almost feel God pressing his ear in to hear us while at the same time he wrapped his strong arms around us.
So there we were surrounded by new friends, more like family. When I finally knelt beside Peter in the water I was just a flutter of emotions. He put his hand upon my head. I went under the water. It was like the heaviest, darkest blanket of winter was lifted off me. I felt like I could fly! I let out a squeal and spun around making quite a splash.
It's been about a week. I spend everyday down at the river, mostly telling my story to those who are seeking. It has been amazing the way everyone has pooled their resources. We know we will go back home--there's a bit of sadness to leaving our new friends...new family. It's hard to leave when so much is still happening.
But, Micah is right; there are friends and family back home who need to hear this. So we will go. Go, with new found power and praise, new found hope, and with hearts filled with joy!!!
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