Paula's Place

Happy Birthday Mom

2012-01-26T16:32:00.000-06:00

Today My Mom would have been 89 years old.

She was born on January 26, 1923. A very different time than today. RIP mom. I miss you! I think of you everyday.

Simple Woman's Daybook Entry

2012-01-21T21:12:00.001-06:00

Create your own daybook using the prompts below making sure in your entry you include a link back to her blog using this link.

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

FOR TODAY January 21, 2012

Outside my window...
Outside my window it is dark. Getting close to 9:00 p.m. Today was very cold. I think I heard that the high was 27* We were out earlier today and with the wind blowing it went straight to the bones. And tonight my hands hurt

I am thinking...
Right now I am thinking that I need to quit sneezing. I have just sneezed five times in a row. I never just sneeze once. I wonder often about that.

I am thankful...
I am thankful that things continue to go well with my husband. I think I can see very small improvements everyday. I am sure the memory will always be a problem, but at least physically he is getting stronger.

In the kitchen...
Today nothing happened in the kitchen! We had McDonald's for supper. It was a treat to the kids since we seldom eat out anymore. And those hamburgers were not bad either.

I am wearing...
I am wearing blue jeans and tee shirt. What I wear most of the time now days.

I am creating...
I am trying to come up with a heart banner for the mantel for Valentines Day. The one I started I am not happy with. So I have been surfing the net to see what is out there. I made such a cute one a couple of years ago and now I cannot find where I put the pattern......who has a memory problem, you ask?

I am going...
When I am finished with this entry, I am going to load and start the dishwasher and then put a load of clothes into the washing machine. Need to see about clothes for church tomorrow and an hour or so of TV before we call it a night.

I am wondering...
I am wondering where this crafting phase is coming from. I have been so into wanting to make things. My mom was very crafty. I haven't really been so much.

I am reading...
I am reading a book on my Nook Color called Bubba and the Dead Woman. Will let you know how that turns out. Kind of different.

I am hoping...
I am hoping for some warmer weather. I don't like how the cold makes my hands feel.

I am looking forward to...
I am looking forward to March. February carries some financial burdens and then things should look up in March. I hate it when I wish my life away like that.

I am learning
I am learning to let some of my worries go. I try to give them to the Lord but I keep taking them back. I don't know why I do that. It is so much better when I just pray about it and let God take care of it. But I just can't leave it alone.

Around the house...
Ah around the house....many things that I want to get done. No motivation.

I am pondering...
I am pondering how do people live this way. We need to develop a different style. We need to have a plan. We need a goal. We need direction.

A favorite quote for today...

One of my favorite things...
One of my favorite things right now is Pinterest. Oh my I waste a lot of time there. But there is just so much to see. And so much to learn. And so much to ponder. And so much to make. Excuse me, did I say that I like Pinterest.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Ah the rest of the week....church tomorrow, clean some on Monday, Tuesday Justin and Paige will be here and Darian has a wrestling match, Wednesday get the kids to church, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Piper and Willow will be here. Hope I survive all this!

A peek into my day...

I made that headband this week. Aren't you impressed? I used an old tee shirt. I was fun. I shall make some more. After all I have 7 grand daughters. And Harley loves hers. Isn't she the prettiest!

Saturday Nine

2012-01-20T22:57:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!

1. Do you live close to where you grew up? Why?
Well I do live about 60 miles (or so) from the town where I grew up. The reason I do not live there now is because we moved to this town when I was getting ready to be a sophomore in high school. So, I guess you can say that I grew up here too! So this is where I live. And I like it here.

2. Have you ever been so angry that you almost lost control?
More times that I like to remember. And I do not like myself after it happens. But, it happens. So don't make me angry.

3. Are you a fan of a musical act that slightly embarrasses you?
I might be. I am a huge fan of Brett Michael. And sometimes his lyrics embarrass me. But most of the time, I just love to hear him sing.

4. Is there a movie that always makes you cry?
I am not a big movie person. But there are movies that I have cried during. But they don't ALWAYS make me cry because I do not watch a movie more than once. I just don't see how anyone can do that. It would be like reading the same book over and over. And I can't do that either. Once you know the ending, what is the point?

5. Who is the most famous person that you've met?
Hmmmmm.......I have seen some famous people up close (Oprah, Paul Newman, Johnny Cash) but actually met them....none that I can think of.

6. Before you leave your home, what must you have?
I must take my wallet (money and driver's license) a cup of coffee, the newspaper, and my Nook Color. You never know when you might get a chance to read. Or play a game. Or surf the net, if you park close to someone who has wireless that I can use.

7. What do you miss the most about being a kid?
What I miss the most about being a kid is something I did not know at that time that I had. The ability to be free of responsibilities and to be carefree. I would take that again anytime.

8. Tell us about a passion of yours that your readers would not expect.
I doubt that many of my readers would know, or care, that I have a deep-seated passion for crafts. And I am getting better at it all the time. I will be showing some pictures soon.

9. At what age do you think you'd be to think, “I've had a great run”?
Well, I all ready think that. I am 60 and so far it has been a great run. And I have no fear of dying. I have lived a good life. I am right with my Lord. But, and this is a big BUT, I still have two grand kids to raise. So I guess I will say that when I am about, oh say, 80.

Now if you want to play, and share your answers, go to Saturday 9 here.

53 years is a very long time

2012-01-08T12:32:00.000-06:00

Fifty three years ago today we received the news that our daddy was dead.

I was only a mere 7 years old.

Life with daddy had not been all roses and good times.

In fact, I have to think really hard to come up with a handful of good times.

The last time I had seen him was just before Christmas in 1958.

We were living at grandma's house.

Mom had left him a few weeks earlier.

She had a good reason.

We were living in a small house in the country.

Daddy had come home drunk.

Not an unusual thing.

But this time he took his shotgun and sat down in a chair in the living room.

Mom was sitting in another chair darning socks.

She always stuck a light bulb into the socks to darn them.

I remember well.

No one darns socks anymore.

We five kids were sitting on the sofa across the room from our parents.

I remember my dad saying,

"I will shoot them first, then you, and then myself."

It will be forever imprinted onto my brain.

Mom calmly continued to darn socks.

We kids calmly continued to sit.

Dad passed out.

Mom got my oldest brother out a window and he ran as fast as he could.

He got the neighbors, who were also our landlords, to come.

They loaded us all up and took us to grandma's house.

Mom had to file for divorce in order to get help from the state.

Dad called and wanted to see us for Christmas.

Mom said he had to come sober.

He didn't.

My last sight of my daddy was peeking around mom's skirt as he stood

on the porch at grandma's.

He had been drinking.

He gave her sacks of candy for all of us.

And left.

And I never saw him alive again.

My prayer today, on this day of remembrance, is that

Not another child will ever have to live a life without their

Daddy.

Nothing in this world is worth killing yourself for.

That is the easy way out.

It is much harder to stay and face the music.

Much harder to raise five kids.

I often think what he missed.

And what I missed!

Sunday Stealing

2012-01-07T22:00:00.000-06:00

Today we ripped off a blogger named Tense Teacher of the blog Tense for a Reason. (Yes we know that we've ripped her off not so long ago as well. It's pretty amazing since she stopped posting in 2007. But that's where we live as a thief). Also, it's long so we'll do it in parts. She does not say where she got it from. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The Never Ending Meme, Part One

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. Song that always makes you sad?
The song that always makes me sad is Snowbird by Anne Murray. It just takes me back to a sad time in my life.

2. Last thing you bought?
Well that is easy....I just came home from the grocery store. I bought spaghetti, garlic bread, Pepsi, milk and fruit snacks.

3. Last person you argued with?
Same one that I always argue with. My 11 year old grand daughter, Harley. About the same thing that we always argue about....practicing her drums.

4. Do you put butter before putting the peanut butter on?
Nope. But when I was a kid my mom always mixed butter into the peanut butter....and syrup too. Yummy

5. One of your stuffed animals’ names as a kid?
I never had a stuffed animal as a kid. When I got together with my present husband he couldn't believe that I had never had a stuffed animal so our first Christmas together he bought me a huge white teddy bear and I named him Fred.

6. Did you ever at one time own a Barenaked Ladies CD?
Never

7. Favorite day of the week?
Every day is the same anymore so I don't have a favorite day any longer.

8. Favorite sundae topping?
Hot fudge

9. Did you take piano lessons?
No and I am trying very hard not to fall off my chair laughing right now.

10. Most frequent song played?
All of the songs (453) on my Ipod get played equally over and over

11. T.V. show you secretly enjoy?
Big Bang Theory.....it is a hoot!

12. Would you rather play basketball or hockey?
Neither....I don't have an athletic bone in my body

13. Date someone older or younger?
My husband is 18 years older than me right now! So if I ever date again, it will be with someone younger.

14. One place you could travel right now?
The Grocery Store is as far as I can go now.

15. Do you use umbrellas?
Sometimes but only if it is raining :)

16. Do you know all the words to the Canadian national anthem?
Heck no....I don't know all the words to my own national anthem

17. Favorite cheese?
I like all cheese.

18. The Smith’s or The Cure?
What????

19. Do you prefer blondes or brunettes?
I am so past this. I do love my little blonde grandkids though

20. Best job you ever had?
Best job I ever had was the early years of my nursing career. When I was still new and eager. Before I became so jaded with the system.

Click on the picture and go participate

A Daybook Entry

2012-01-04T16:10:00.001-06:00

Click on the Picture if you would like to join

FOR TODAY......January 4, 2012

Outside my window...
It is a very bright, sunny day. 57* which is just unheard of in Kansas in January! But I am happy that it is so nice. Because we came home from our New Year's weekend on Monday to a very cold house. The furnace was not working. Again. This is the third time since Thanksgiving. We are getting a new furnace installed right now. And it is warmer outside that it is inside the house today

I am thinking...
That I have the most wonderful son on this earth. I do not know what we would do without Justin. When we need something, he is there. Of course, there are times when I could hit him up beside the head. But when I need him he comes through. Thank you Justin for being an awesome son. I must have done something right.

I am thankful..
For so many things....Richard's current health. Justin. Warm January days. Darian and Harley. A budget that allows a bit to be left over after the bills are paid. A reduced mortgage payment.

In the kitchen...

Well tonight is the night the kids have Youth groups at church so Darian will not eat at home and Papa, Harley and I will eat leftover spaghetti. Yummy.

I am wearing...
Layers......no furnace. And it is cold in here. Jeans, tee shirt, long sleeve tee shirt and hoodie.

I am creating...
Oh the memories...right now that is what we are creating. Memories

I am going...
To put away the Christmas things tomorrow. And I am going to take my time and do it right. I always get in a hurry and cram it in boxes. I am going to throw things away. And pack up a box for Goodwill....yep, that is what I am going to do.

I am wondering...
Just how long can things continue like this? I stay home with Richard. He has improved but I think we are where we are going to be. Poor memory. Lots of answering the same things over and over. Not much adult conversations around here. I feel like a single mom...now I have three kids. Will I be able to continue to do this?

I am reading...
Too Close to Home by Lynette Eason
on my Nook Color.
Oh I love my Nook Color

I am hoping...
For a good 2012. Hasn't started out so good. But I am hoping it will get better.

I am looking forward to...
Getting my furnace on. I can't wait to use the new digital thermostat. And I can't wait to get warm again. I don't like winter. I don't like to be cold.

I am hearing...
Wolf Blitzer talk about the Iowa caucus. It looks like the Republicans do not have a really strong front runner. Hope they get someone to beat Obama. Don't want him for another 4 years. And I am Democrat.

Around the house...
Not much got done in the past few days. It is cold. Have I told you that? I want to put away the Christmas Decorations.

I am pondering...
What exactly does it mean when a little boy knocks on the door and wants to know if Harley can come out and play. What???? She is 11. They are in the back yard playing basketball right now. Hmmmmm.

One of my favorite things...
Is, has been, and always will be, my beautiful grandchildren. I love them and I thank God for them everyday.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Thursday-put away the Christmas decorations.
Friday-do some cleaning and wash the sheets
Saturday-get Darian up the ladder to take down the Christmas lights
Sunday-church

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

______________________________

Merry Christmas to All

2011-12-24T22:33:00.002-06:00

May we remember the real meaning of Christmas

The birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ

I am searching for my Norman Rockwell Christmas

2011-12-21T23:14:00.002-06:00

I have spent my entire adult life searching for a Norman Rockwell Christmas.

And I have never found it.

I want everything to be perfect.

I want a huge, real pine tree. Decorated with perfect lights.

Garland perfectly wrapped around and around.

Perfect Christmas ornaments hung perfectly spaced.

Perfectly wrapped presents with perfect ribbon and bows.

The smells of Christmas waft through the house.

Cinnamon, wassail, pine and cookies.

Perfectly dressed children sitting patiently under the tree waiting

to take turns unwrapping those perfectly wrapped gifts.

Then they scream and oh and ah that it is the perfect present.

"Just what I wanted"

Then the family gathers around the piano and sings Christmas Carols

while the snow falls outside. And the stars twinkle.

And the carolers sing.

And everyone is happy.

And in the oven is baking the perfect turkey.

To be served with all the perfect side dishes.

And everyone is happy.

But....

that has never, ever happened at my house.

In fact one year my son so aptly pointed out

"Mom, we don't even own a piano."

So I am not looking anymore.

Cause my artificial tree with a string of lights that don't work

is perfect.

And the presents that are unevenly wrapped and have no ribbons and bow

are perfect.

And the kids that will sit under our tree, while not perfect,

are happy.

And they will oh and ah and be happy with what they get.

And hopefully there won't be any snow.

And we are having ham and not turkey.

And I might try to make some wassail.

How hard can that be.

Because I know that this is the reason

We celebrate Christmas.

Linking up with Imparting Grace

What if I won the lottery?

2011-12-20T11:26:00.034-06:00

Have you ever thought about what you would do if you won the lottery? I mean after you get finished jumping up and down and screaming! After you are done calling everyone you know to tell them "I won the lottery"! (that might not be a great idea, come to think of it). But what would you do with all that money. I have spent a fair amount of time thinking about it. And I don't even play the lottery. So here goes my list of what I would do if I won the lottery. A substantial lottery that is. Not a simple million that I would only end up with a few thousand after taxes, mind you. But big bucks.

First, I would take a little vacation to someplace warm. Some place with white sand and warm waters and ocean breezes. Some place I can lay in the sun, not think about anything important, or worry about anyone. Some place that I can take, oh say 7 or 8 of those I worry about with me. And we will stay there for a good two or three weeks. Doing nothing but enjoying the sun, the sea, and the sand.

Now I am back home and refreshed and ready to spend some money. What would I do next. Look for a new house. Nope. I am happy with the house that I have. But it does need a new roof. Really bad. My husband put this wood roof on our house all by himself (with the help of two young sons) 25 years ago. It is old and it needs replaced. So up goes a new roof. No wood shingles here this time. Just plain old roofing shingles. I don't need anything fancy.

I might need to think about a new car though. We have a perfectly good car now. Well it will be when I get some work done on it in early 2012. And it does have that small oil leak. And almost 100,000 miles. But it serves me well. What the heck, I have won the lottery. I will get a new car.

Now is the time that I best put some of this huge amount of money away to send a couple of grand kids to college. The two who live with us will need some financial assist with their education. So I will open up a couple of college funds.

We have a pretty awesome church that has supported us in the recent times of trouble. So I will write a nice check to them too. Thank you First Church of the Nazarene.

Now I am thinking there is a considerable amount of money left to spend. After all, I have won the lottery in my imagination, so I can spend as much as I want before I run out. I will call up the dentist office and schedule an appointment for Papa and me and we will get our teeth all fixed up. I have really let mine go; not only for financial reasons, but I have a huge fear of pain. But with this kind of money I can afford the best so I will just be put to sleep and get all my teeth fixed. I cannot imagine what it will be like to have a whole mouth of teeth. And Papa needs a new set of bottom dentures. Might as well get new top ones too!

Now I am thinking that anyone who wins the lottery ought to spend some of that on plastic surgery. Not me! But I would like some laser treatments to get rid of the brown spots on my face and my hands. That's all. No lifts or tucks here. No Botox. No augmentations. After all, I am a 60 year old woman and I am happy with where I am in life. I would like fewer brown spots. That's all.
New clothes for the whole family. New underwear and socks. Shoes, boots, sandals. Coats and sweaters. Jeans and dresses. Not too many. Just enough.

I also want hardwood floors. I am tired of white carpet. I was warned about white carpet but I didn't listen. Now I will have some hardwood. Thank you very much!

I am almost done here. I want to help out my sons. They will get a little cash to do with what they please. Not too much. Kids have to learn that life isn't all about having things handed to you. But a nice thank you gift from mom won't hurt.

That's it. I am done. I won the lottery. I spent my money. I will go back to the task at hand. Raising grand kids and taking care of my elderly hubby. But it was sure fun to dream for a bit. Hope I didn't sound too materialistic. It was just a fantasy, after all. I am sure all of you won't agree with how I spend my money but it is MY fantasy, remember. Now I wonder if I should buy a lottery ticket this year.......

Sunday Stealing

2011-12-17T22:17:00.000-06:00

Today we ripped off a blogger named Tom Baker from the blog Morning Erection. (Tom points out that you shouldn't read much into his blogs name. It's a great blog.) This is an original meme and it's very first time posted. Tom asked us to rip it off and of course we are grateful! Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The Community Meme

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. As a blogger, what do you draw inspirations from for your posts?
They all come from my head....and sometimes they are hard to come up with. That is why sometimes I go forever without blogging.

2. If you could swap blogs with another blogger for a post, who would you switch with and why?
Now that is a hard one.....I would like to switch with ??????? I just cannot think of one. Wait! Wait! I know! I want to switch with Kasey She has a writing style that I wish was mine. Sometimes she is so funny!

3. If your blog had a theme song, what would it be? Why?
It's my Party and I'll Cry if I want to! Because sometimes I feel like that is what I do at my blog....whine and cry

4. What is your writing process for a post?
Mostly just moving my fingers across the keys when an idea falls into my head.

5. Your blog requires a cute, new, mascot - what would it be?

I am just a beach bum and I love starfish!

6. Do you feel you express your "true self" on your blog?
I do now. I didn't used to. But sometimes I hold back a little.

7. What is your biggest online pet-peeve?
People who don't know me judging me.

8. If you could live in a fictional universe, where would you live? Why?
Hmmmmm...maybe, hell I don't know.

9. You're having a bad day, you're upset, you're angry, or you're sad - what is your go-to comfort?
A tub of sour cream and a big bag of chips with a can of Bud!

10. What is your favorite inspirational quote?

"If there's ever a tomorrow when we're not together, there's something you should remember

You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart, I'll always be with you.""

11. If they were to make a movie based on your life, who would play you, your leading lady/man, your best friend, and your rival?
I would be played by Rosanne Barr....my leading man would be Paul Newman, my best friend would be Lucille Ball and my rival would be Angelina Jolie Ha! Ha! Now that would be a scream

12. Do you think the world is going to end in 2012?
No!

13. If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
I am so impatient and bitchy at times and those are things I would change

14. What is your favorite season and why?
Summer.....I love being outside and I love the heat!

15. You've been bitten by a vampire. Would you fight it with all your undead being or would you embrace it for all it is worth?
I don't believe in vampires....so I would just keep sleeping

16. Have you personally met any of your blogger friends?
None

17. What does your favorite pair of underwear look like?
Like all the rest of them

18. Have you ever drank something right from the container in the refrigerator knowing other people will have to drink out of the same container later?
I am sorry to say that I have. And I also bit** at others that I see do that!

19. What is your favorite word and explain why?
Shit is my favorite word. It just has the perfect ring to it. And it can have so many different uses.

20. 2011 is soon coming to a close, is there anything you'd like to do different on your blog in the year 2012?
I would like to continue in the same vein...just be more consistent.

What do I miss the most?

2011-12-08T18:17:00.000-06:00

Do we miss the life that we used to have before we had kids? Do we wish that we could return to this life? I often think about what life was like before Darian and Harley came to live with us.

It was quiet.
I could sleep in as long as I wanted to in the morning.
I cooked when I felt like it and if I didn't feel like it then each of us just got whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted to eat.
I didn't close the bathroom door when I peed.
I didn't put the alcohol away...just left it sitting on the counter.
My computer was not password protected.
I only ran the dishwasher every couple of days; instead of twice a day.
I washed the clothes once or twice a week; now I do at least 3 loads everyday.
My car was clean. Not littered with school papers, empty water bottles; candy wrappers.
No one slammed any doors.
My bedroom was my bedroom.
My closet was my closet.
My capes, and shawls and jewelry was mine. Not borrowed by a preteen girl.
We watched what we wanted on TV. I didn't have to quickly turn the channel when the comedy we were watching suddenly started talking about gay life, or sex, or drinking. Or a commercial came on about erectile dysfunction. And who wants to explain that to a preteen girl and a 13 year old boy?
We did what we wanted on weekends, during the week, late at night. Now I go to bed early cause I get up early to help kids catch the bus.

But they came to live with us and turned our lives upside down. We once again hear the laughter of kids in the house. We hear sibling rivalry. We feel their little (and not so little) arms around our necks. And their wet kisses on our cheeks. We feel proud when they do good. And we are upset when they are bad. We sit with them in church and thank God we have them. We attend their school and Scout functions and beam with pride. Thank you Lord for giving us a second chance at raising kids.

A-Z Meme

2011-12-04T23:51:00.000-06:00

Because I love memes!

A. Age: 60

B. Bed size: Queen

C. Chore that you hate: putting clothes away after I have folded them

D. Dogs: none

E. Essential start to your day: coffee with french vanilla cream

F. Favorite color: purple

G. Gold or Silver: silver

H. Height: 5'10"

I. Instruments you play: none

J. Job title: I am a RN but currently I work at home caring for my husband who recently had a stroke. And we have an 11 and 13 year old grand kids with us

K. Kids: 2 that are biological and one that we 'adopted'

L. Live: Kansas

M. Mother’s name: Pauline (may be rest in peace)

N. Nicknames: Pokey (can you believe that?)

O. Overnight hospital stays: childbirth times 3 and a broken leg in 2004

P. Pet peeves: when I am at someones house and they are on the phone or on the computer and act like I am not even there.

Q. Quote from a movie: Dirty Harry "Go on out and get some air, fatso"

R. Right or left handed: right

S. Siblings: 3 brothers and one sister
U. Underwear: granny panties
V. Vegetable you hate: none that I can think of
W. What makes you run late: My husband...he is SLOW
X. X-Rays you’ve had: right leg many, many times
Y. Yummy food that you make: Shepard's pie
Z. Zoo animal: tigers

I found this meme at The Geeky Shopoholic

If you decide to do this meme, let me know in the comments, so I can visit your blog to read your answers.

Good Advice

2011-12-04T10:04:00.000-06:00

One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn’t pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.”

- Lucille Ball

Sunday Stealing

2011-12-03T18:23:00.001-06:00

Today we ripped off a blogger and blog called BlueLifeMemories. It's long so we will do it in two parts. She states she stole it from a friend, but did not say which friend. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The Blue Memory Meme, Part One

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1) If the whole world were listening to you right now, what would you say?

I would say that it is time for everyone in the world to quit expecting the American government to take care of them and start to take care of yourselves.
Women: quit having babies if you can't afford them. Men: take care of the babies you are bringing into this world...

2) If you could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be?

I would love to meet Donald Trump...don't ask me why! But I do want to see what is up with that hair.

3) You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you gonna go?

I hate to fly....so I am going to give that ticket to my brother Chuck so he can fly to Florida to see his grand daughter for Christmas...and I'll take care of the dogs!

4) What do you think about most?

Right now what I am thinking about most is how I am going to continue to support this family just on my husbands retirement and social security.

5) You have the opportunity to spend a romantic night with the music celebrity of your choice. Who would it be?

I think I will pass....just not interested at this point in my life. Sorry

6) You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be?

I would start my erasing my father's death when I was 8 years old. And I would take away the alcoholism that caused it. Then I would erase the results of the stroke that my husband has in September.

7) What's your strangest talent?

I can suck my upper lip all the way up to my nose. Came in handy when I was changing diapers.

8) What would be a question you'd be afraid to tell the truth on?

Have you ever smoked marijuana?

9) Ever had a poem or song written about you?

Hey Hey Paula!

10) When is the last time you played the air guitar?

Just before supper tonight......to the tune of Jingle Bells!

11) Do you have any strange phobias?

I don't know if they are strange but I am terrified of mice and scared to death of flying.

12) What's your religion?

I am a Christian.....member of the First Church of Nazarene

13) What is your current desktop picture?

A picture of 4 of my 9 grandchildren....

14) When you are outside, what are you most likely doing?

Picking up stuff and putting it away.

15) What's the last song you listened to?

Jingle Bells.....

16) Simple but extremely complex. Favorite band?

Don't really have one.

17) What was the last lie you told?

Hmmmm don't think I want to answer this now! :)

18) Do you believe in karma?

I shouldn't....but I do!

19) What is a saying you say a lot?

Whoever said life is fair?

20) What is your greatest weakness; your greatest strength?

My greatest weakness is that I am very impatient. And my greatest strength is my caring about others.

21) Who is your celebrity crush?

David Caruso

22) Give me the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word: heart.

Attack!

23) How do you vent your anger?

Bitching.

24) Do you have a collection of anything?

I do have a collection of dolls but I don't collect them any longer.

25) What is your favorite word?

SH**

Down in the Dumps

2011-12-02T23:54:00.000-06:00

Here I am....down in the dumps!

That means I am low!

I am feeling anxious.

I feel depressed.

I don't know why

Well......I do but

Who wants to keep hearing about it?

I feel lonely

I feel sad

I know that there are those out there who will say:

"I understand"

But, no you don't.

How could you?

I just need a moment or two to vent.

To feel sorry for myself.

To cry!

To rant

To rave

And tomorrow I will feel all better.

I am just down in the dumps!

My Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-11-30T13:54:00.000-06:00

______________________________

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...the sun is shining brightly but there is a nip in the air.

I am thinking...of Christmas! What it really means! And which should I be worrying about....teaching the kids the real meaning of Christmas or how am I ever going to be able to afford it?

I am thankful...for my awesome and wonderful youngest son. He comes and he seems to know just what I need. He paid for the furnace, he went to the store for me and he gave me time off from my care giving job.

In the kitchen...I am planning on a cookie bake for the weekend

I am wearing...shorts (yep, it is winter here and freezing outdoors) tee shirt and fuzzy socks. A sight I am sure

I am creating...cookie cutter picture frames to give the kids to hang on their trees

I am going...to the gas station soon to gas up the car!

I am wondering...how Richard can listen to news ALL DAY LONG

I am reading...Blood Ties on my Nook Color

I am hoping...for relief from my money worries

I am looking forward to...the weekend...make cookies on Saturday with Darian, Harley, Piper, Willow and Tucker and having Paige with us on Sunday

I am hearing.....President Obama trying to convince us how wonderful he is :)

Around the house...Christmas has arrived...all is decorated and looks so festive

I am pondering...how it is that Richard can become so confused at times.

One of my favorite things...Thanksgiving...and we really enjoyed having all the family here this year.

A few plans for the rest of the week: shopping for groceries, gassing the car, making cookies and church on Sunday

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...Our 2011 Christmas Tree

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T09:06:00.001-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

We dodged another Bullet-Part Two

2011-11-17T15:08:00.010-06:00

     When I returned to the hospital the next morning, Richard was awake. He said he slept well. No one was around so I could ask "What's up" His heart rhythm looks regular and around 56. That is awesome. BP is 156/65. A bit high but I knew they had held his meds. Soon into the room comes Richard's nurse and the doctor's PA.
     The PA was discussing Richard with the nurse (and ignoring us). One of my biggest pet peeves, as a nurse, is when the doctor does not include the patient and the family in the conversation they are having right in front of them.....about them. She (the PA) told the nurse..".the plan is to keep him NPO (no food) and arrange for a colonoscopy and an upper endo so that we can find out where he is bleeding. We can move him upstairs until these can be arranged" So being the person that I am....."Excuse me," I say, "but this will be up to us to decide what we are going to do, won't it?" She turns to look at me with that facial expression that says "who do you think you are to interrupt me?" So being the person that I am...."Are these tests going to take place today?" I say. She says that they probably won't. So I say, 'then we want to go home and we will schedule them as an outpatient." She proceeds to tell me that will be up to his primary doctor that she only represents the cardiologist (really, I thought I just heard you talking about scheduling these tests/) A few more words and she leaves the room.
     Richard's nurse Renee (great, by the way) said I will call his doctor for you and see if we can get them scheduled as an out-patient and see if he can be dismissed. I had already by this time asked about the hemoglobin and potassium results and was told they had returned to normal and his heart was now doing what it is supposed to be doing. There was really no further need to remain in the hospital.
   Then in came a NEW doctor. He introduced himself and said he was a kidney specialist and the cardiologist had asked him to come see Richard about how bad his lab looked and make some suggestions. He said that his potassium was way too low and his calcium was too low and the albumin was low. He wanted to know how Richard was eating. I said, 'he eats great, not as much as he used to but has a good appetite." So his suggestions are to start him on oral potassium 3X daily and to give him calcium 3 times daily and he would like to see him again in 2 weeks with some follow up labs. Okay! Add another doctor to the already too many who see us.
     Then this guy leaves the room and is sitting at the desk with Richard's chart. Pretty soon he comes back into the room and pulls a chair over closer to me. He says, "Something is wrong! But Not with Richard" What the heck! He then goes on to tell me that he just reviewed the labs that were drawn this very morning and compared them to the admission labs. His very low hemoglobin was now normal. Impossible with just two units of blood. And his potassium was now at the top side of normal. Again, probably not possible. And his calcium was normal and his albumin was normal. In fact, he didn't have any abnormal values at all!
     So forget about the meds he just told me to give. But come see him in two weeks just to make sure all is still okay. I heard him on the phone call the lab. I heard him tell them to find that blood and rerun all the labs using the same blood.
     Next time, Renee, the nurse was in the room she received a call on her portable phone from the lab. It was about Richard. When she hung up she said that they had done a finger stick blood draw and there was no blood left to run another test on WHAT???? They did not do a finger stick. I was in the room. The drew the blood from his left arm vein just before the IV was started. They did NOT do a finger stick. I examined his finger tips to see if there were any puncture wounds and there were not. What is going on here?????
      Now we are preparing for discharge. The snooty PA has returned twice to talk with me. She has explained that we would still like to do an occult blood check on Richard's BM (that tests for bleeding) We did it and it was NEGATIVE! No blood! And he could be discharged from the hospital. A low dose of potassium ONCE a day would be started so that he would stay in the normal range. This woman couldn't have been nicer. HMMMMM!
   So we are now home and all is okay. He feels good and his heart is beating normal. He takes a new pill to make sure it stays in the normal rhythm. But he received 2 units of blood that he probably didn't need in the first place. That is probably not a big deal. He received a BIG dose of potassium that didn't cause him any harm cause now he is in the high normal. But potassium is deadly. And it could have caused harm.And it scared the holy crap out of his family again, thinking he was really, really sick! But he's not! If you want my take on what I think: one, somewhere in that hospital someone needs a blood transfusion and some potassium. Or, two, with all the prayers we were receiving while there, the Good Lord above healed Richard over night. Thank you Lord. And please, please, please to all lab personnel make sure you know what you are doing. A person's life depends on you knowing what you are doing!

We dodged another Bullet-Part One

2011-11-16T22:24:00.001-06:00

     Tuesday afternoon Richard had an appointment with his cardiologist. Just a follow-up for the carotid stent procedure that was done in October. Not a big deal. He was doing good. No problems. Or so we thought!
     We were shown to the exam room. The nurse took his BP and pulse. I asked what they were. Like I always do.BP 106/60. Not too bad. Pulse 112. WHAT?? He usually runs about 56-60. Okay, she probably didn't count right. After she leaves the room, I get up to take his pulse. WHAT?? It is 110. Well he did walk all the way back into this room. And climbed up on an exam table. That is all that it is. Exertion!
     The doctor comes into the room. He examines him. He sits down and begins to ask him questions. Richard looks to me for the answers. He has done this since his stroke. But this is a 'no nonsense' doctor who wants the patient to answer the questions. So.......he finally gets around to the elevated pulse and says that he would like to run an EKG. Okay. Good idea!

     So in comes the EKG machine. Now I can read an EKG....a little. I am not an expert by any means. But I do know a bad EKG...and this one didn't look good. Back into the room comes the doctor with the EKG in hand. He says 'this is a fatal rhythm and he needs to be admitted to ICU at the hospital' What did he say? FATAL!
     Now my darling husband does not like being in the hospital. Wait! Not like might be not a strong enough word. He HATES being in the hospital and he doesn't want to go. I tell him that the final decision is his. He is 78 years old and it should be his choice. But I make sure that he understands that it could be FATAL.
     He decides that maybe he should go to the hospital.
     So off to the hospital we go. It is just across the street. We make it through the admission process and off we go to the ICU. Hey, they remember us from our last stay. Several of the nurses come to the room to greet
They also know me. This is the same hospital where I worked for 23 years.
     He is hooked up to the heart monitor, an IV is started. The BP cuff is attached. An o2 sat monitor is taped to his finger. And the Lab people come in to draw his initial labs. We are on the way. And by the way, his heart rate doesn't look so bad right now. But he is going in and out of V-tach. For anyone who doesn't know....that is the FATAL rhythm. The nurse is waiting for the IV Amiodorone to come from the pharmacy. This will be the first line of action. And if the medication doesn't work...then in the morning they will plan to do a cardioversion. Shock him for all the lay people who are reading. Now we settle in to let the medication do it's magic.
   NOPE.....no relaxing here. The nurse comes in and says that his hemoglobin is 6.5. And his potassium is 2.0. Those are very low counts. She calls the doctor. Four units of blood are to be typed and cross/matched and 2 will be given now. And he will get two oral doses of potassium and four IV packets of potassium. He is a very sick man.......Again!
      But he doesn't look all that sick. And he doesn't act all that sick. But he must be. Because those kinds of lab results show that he is sick.
     The blood transfusion is started. They start a second IV site so that he can get the potassium. So, three IV sites are now going. They are monitoring his heart continuously and his BP is being taken every 15 minutes.
I go home for a short bit. Talk with the kids and my son. Make some phone calls. Grab a hamburger and a coke. And head back to the hospital to stay with him until he is ready to settle in and go to sleep for the night.......

(to be continued)

A Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-11-15T13:36:00.001-06:00

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today (November 15, 2011)

Outside my window..Sunny, windy and 48* I think there is a change in the air

I am thinking...about the change that my life has taken now that I am a full-time caregiver

I am thankful for... my family and how good everyone has been to us since Richard's stroke

From the kitchen... I am making baked chicken, mashed potatoes and some kind of veggie for supper tonight. Justin and Paige will be here

I am wearing... jeans and tee shirt

I am going...to be leaving soon to take Richard to the doctor for his first follow-up since the carotid procedure

I am reading...True Blue by David Baldacci

I am hoping... that Richard will let me sleep tonight. It seems when I am my most tired is when he is awake a lot

I am hearing... the TV....news, endless news

Around the house... doing a lot of cleaning getting ready for Thanksgiving

One of my favorite things... having my family here for Thanksgiving

Inspired by our wedding song... The Wedding Song."

He is now to be among you at the calling of your hearts
Rest assured this troubadour is acting on His part.
The union of your spirits, here, has caused Him to remain
For whenever two or more of you are gathered in His name
There is Love,
there is Love.

Well a man shall leave his mother and a woman leave her home
They shall travel on to where the two shall be as one.
As it was in the beginning is now and til the end
Woman draws her life from man and gives it back again.
And there is Love,
there is Love.

Well then what's to be the reason for becoming man and wife?
Is it love that brings you here or love that brings you life?
For if loving is the answer, then who's the giving for?
Do you believe in something that you've never seen before?
Oh there is Love,
there is Love.

Oh the marriage of your spirits here has caused Him to remain
For whenever two or more of you are gathered in His name
There is Love,
there is Love.

The minister who married us by the lake in Colorado, brought his guitar and played this song and sang to us
A few plans for the rest of the week...

clean the bathrooms
finish my laundry
borrow the rug shampooer
help the kids finish up with things out in the yard

Here is a picture I am sharing...one of my favorite of Paige...I love all the freckles

Sunday Stealing

2011-11-12T23:45:00.000-06:00

Today we ripped off a blogger named Tense Teacher from the blog Tense for a Reason. It's long so we'll do it in two parts. She stole it from The Coffee Table. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The Madness Meme, Part 2

Cheers to all of us thieves!

23. Do you ever walk around the house naked?
Sure.....it is my house! And sometimes as I walk past an open window, I wave; in case anyone is looking.

24. If you were an animal what would you be? Why?
I would be a cat because they are lazy and they get to lay around and do nothing all day. I would not catch mice, however.

25. Hair color you like on someone you’re dating?
Since I would never date anyone (I am married after all) I won't pick.

26. If suffering an injury, would you rather be left blind or deaf?
This is a hard one but I think I would have to pick that I would rather be deaf.

27. Do you have any special talents?
I have to say that I am a darn good caregiver since that is what I do. And just ask my hubby and grand kids and they would tell you I do it well.

28. What do you do as soon as you walk in the house?
Close the door and put my keys on the counter.

29. Do you like horror or comedy?
Comedy

30. Are you missing anyone?
Yes...my mom who died 6 years ago, my best friend who died 4 years ago, and the man who used to reside in my husbands body (he had a stroke in September and is just not the same anymore)

31. Where do you want to live when you are old?
I do not want to live when I am old.

32. Who is the person you can count on the most?
Wow....I used to say my husband but not anymore (see above) SO now I guess it would be me

33. If you could date any celebrity past or present, who would it be?
Elvis Presley and have him sing to me everyday

34. What did you dream last night?
The same dream I always have when I am stressed....that I am at work at the hospital and I have neglected my patients all shift...what the heck does this dream mean?

35. What is your favorite sport to watch?
Ice skating

36. Are you named after anyone?
Yep named after my mom. Pauline

37. What is your favorite alcoholic drink?

38. Non alcoholic drink?
Recently it has been screwdrivers.
39. Have you ever been in love?
Most assuredly

40. Do you sing in the shower?
No but I cry in the shower

41. Have you ever been arrested?
Not yet

42. What is your favorite Holiday?
Thanksgiving

43. Would you ever get plastic surgery?
If I could afford it I would....I would like a face lift, a boob lift, a tummy tuck, and liposuction

44. Have you ever caught a fish?
Nope

111111

2011-11-11T16:25:00.000-06:00

Won't someone tell me...................

2011-11-10T23:15:00.000-06:00

That is what I want to hear

I want it to be alright.

I know that it will get easier

But right now it all seems so hard

And so unfair

And so sad

But I know that it will be alright.

And a tumble he took

2011-11-08T16:47:00.000-06:00

I awoke early this morning to a crash. The bedroom was dark. I felt next to me and no Richard. I jumped out of bed and flipped on the light. I expected that he had fallen out of bed. But I found him laying between the dresser and the window. With blood running down his arm. And he was pale and sweating. I helped him up and to the bathroom. Cleaned up the long skin tear to his right forearm. And tucked him back into bed. He admits that he tried to get to the bathroom without waking me up. He thinks I needed to sleep.

God Bless his little heart.

But please wake me up the next time.

I used to have patients in both the hospital and the nursing home when I worked that would get up to help themselves because "I didn't want to bother you". I used to tell them that helping them after the fall, doing all the paper work and monitoring was far MORE trouble than the simple assist to the bathroom in the first place.

Today I noticed a little more droop to the left eye. And he is struggling some with doing simple math.

Did he have another little stroke. Or maybe a TIA. Who knows! We see the doctor again next week.

I will continue to monitor.

Sunday Stealing

2011-11-06T23:46:00.000-06:00

Sunday Stealing: The Madness Meme, Part 1

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. Have you ever licked the back of a CD to try to get it to work?
Nope....and I have never heard that this worked. In fact, I have never heard of anyone doing it!

2. What’s the largest age difference between yourself and someone you’ve dated?
My current husband is 18 years older than me right this very minute!

3. Ever been in a car wreck?
Yep, just before I was 16 my brother flipped the car we were riding in on a country road!

4. Were you popular in high school?
Nope and I am still not!

5. Have you ever been on a blind date?
Yes a couple....and they were both disasters

6. Are looks important?
Not now! When I was younger I thought they were...but not anymore.

7. Do you have any friends that you’ve known for 10 years or more?
Yes.....my best friend Roseanne.

8. By what age would you like to be married?
I am already married

9. Does the number of people a person’s slept with affect your view of them?
Probably

10. Have you ever made a mistake?
Once!

11. Are you a good tipper?
Usually the normal 15% and that is enough. In fact I really don't like the whole idea of tipping

12. What’s the most you have spent for a haircut?
$30.00 and I think that is outrageous

13. Have you ever had a crush on a teacher?
Yes, my 8th grade Civics teacher

14. Have you ever peed in public?
I am not sure what this means...but I probably have

15. What song do you want played at your funeral?
MY WAY..... Elvis Presley

16. Would you tell your parents if you were gay?
Of course...they wouldn't care...they are both dead

17. What would your last meal be before getting executed?
Lobster, baked potato sour cream salad and lots of WINE

18. Beatles or Stones?
Beatles

19. If you had to pick one person on earth to die, who would it be?
Judy

20. Beer, wine or hard liquor?
All of it but I am a wine girl

21. Do you have any phobias?
MICE

22. What are your plans for the future?
Just to make it through today

Earthquakes in Kansas?

2011-11-06T22:40:00.000-06:00

Craziest thing ever happened last night at our house. I was sitting here at the computer desk and my husband was in his recliner watching TV Both of the grand kids had already gone to bed. Suddenly, the lamp on my desk started to shake and move towards the edge. What the heck? I thought. Then I looked up at my husband and he had the funniest look on his face. He said that he thought his legs was shaking
(he has Parkinson's) but he looked down and his legs were still. About that time Darian, our 13 year old grandson literally burst into the living room and said "What the heck, someone is shaking my bed!" That is when I decided we were having an earthquake. At that very moment the newscasters from a near by town broke into the TV program and announced.....Oklahoma had had a 5.6 earthquake and we here in Kansas could feel it.....What???? Who ever heard of an Earthquake in Kansas?

Darian

2011-11-05T11:42:00.000-05:00

Darian, my 13 year old grandson, went to a Lock In (I don't know why they call it that because they weren't locked in...they drove around all night to different venues) last night. We dropped him off at the church at 6:30 for a bus trip to Wichita, a town about 60miles from us. It is actually not a town but a huge city. When I picked him up at 6 a.m. (yeah, early, I know) he had not slept at all but had a blast. They went ice skating, bowling, rode go-carts, played racquetball and had church activities with a huge number of other kids. He came home and crawled into bed and it is almost noon and he is still there. Sweet dreams Darian!

November

2011-11-04T22:43:00.002-05:00

"How silently they tumble down

And come to rest upon the ground

To lay a carpet, rich and rare,

Beneath the trees without a care,

Content to sleep, their work well done,

Colors gleaming in the sun.

At other times, they wildly fly

Until they nearly reach the sky.

Twisting, turning through the air

Till all the trees stand stark and bare.

Exhausted, drop to earth below

To wait, like children, for the snow."

- Elsie N. Brady, Leaves

My Daybook

2011-11-03T23:58:00.000-05:00

FOR TODAY

November 3, 2011

Outside My Window...
It is dark and cold.....only 27* Winter will soon be here

I am thinking...
About how much I don't like winter. I hope it goes by fast and isn't very cold with very little snow this year

I am thankful for...
My family

From the kitchen...
I have cooked a lot lately. I recently made chicken and noodles for the first time in ages. Tonight though only hamburger helper (sigh)

I am wearing...
sweats and a tee shirt. Almost time for bed

I am creating...
Space in the house....learning to let go of STUFF

I am going...
CRAZY!!!!!! Every day I think this is the day I will wake up and things will be normal again.

I am reading...
mostly on my Nook.....cannot remember the name of the current book and too lazy to go find out

I am hoping...
for Hope! and Change! and Security

I am hearing...
the TV that Richard is watching while I wait for him to want to go to bed.

Around the house...
I will be cleaning and getting ready for Thanksgiving

One of my favorite things...
having my family over for the Thanksgiving meal

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
Darian goes to a lock-in and I need to go to the store

Sadness and Depression

2011-11-02T23:36:00.000-05:00

     Today I have felt sad. And depressed. It is not going to get better. I am not going to go back to work. We will learn to live on just his salary and it will not be easy. I have been going through the office and his desk. Things are kind of a mess. I think he has probably been struggling with this for longer than I knew. I think he had some dementia that I just didn't want to admit. Trying to find the important papers has been fun. And finding out what he has not paid has not been fun. I will work to get it all straightened out again. We have moved my desk and computer into the living room so that I can be near him ALL the time. He doesn't like it if I am out of the room for long. I have turned off the land line. To save money. I am doing the grocery shopping and I look for the cheapest and the sale items. We never did this before. He bought what he wanted. I now use a list. I have to watch carefully if we are going to make it. I will not qualify for my social security for another 18 months.
     He cannot help me with much of anything. He cannot remember. He knows that he gets a pension check, but not when it comes. He knows that he gets social security, but not how much. He doesn't have any of the answers to the questions I ask about his Medicare.
     He cannot remember what kind of oil we use in the car. He cannot tell me where to find the titles to the cars. I continue to look. And I will figure it all out.
     He smiles a lot more than he used to. He jokes with the kids. He laughs. He is funny. He is fun to be around. Much like having another child in the house. Now I feel like a single mom with three kids. It is like my husband left me and now I am alone. With half the money we used to have. And I am now responsible for a big house with a big yard.

My oldest brother comes often. And he always brings something. A walker, a gel pad for the chair, a blender, food. He has been my rock. And this week we found out that he has plaque in his carotid and his retinal arteries. He needs surgery. He wants to wait until December 1 so that his Medicare will kick in. WILL THIS NIGHTMARE EVER END?

I have a good family. They are here for me. I do not hear from my sister. She is still upset. Another long story that I don't feel like going into here. I needed her and she didn't come. It really hurts. But she is still my sister. I will go on. And so will she. But my brothers have been awesome. And my sons. And my 'adopted' daughter. And my cousins. And many many good friends. They have been here for me.

We also have a new church family that have been very, very good to us. When the kids came to stay with us Marvin and Heather took them to their church. First Church of the Nazarene. The kids have thrived and grown in that church. They were baptized there in August. We had begun to attend on a semi-regular basis. And people who were almost like strangers to Richard and me have been there for us. They have prayed for and with us. And it is awesome. They have provided financial help. They have provided rides for the kids to and from their activities. They have called on us. Richard's first outing after coming home from the hospital was to church. And he loves to go. It is good for both of us. It is God's will!

I feel better now. I think it helps to write things down. And it will give me a place to look back. And see how far we have come. And see how silly I was to be sad and depressed.

This was taken on his 78th birthday in January 2011

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T23:00:00.002-05:00

This is the Way it Now is!

2011-11-01T22:57:00.000-05:00

     Well the stoke now was more than a month ago. We went into the hospital for an uneventful overnight stay and had the carotid cleaned out and stents placed. Now it is just the day to day living.
     Not much has changed. Richard's memory is much the same. He remembers everyone. And most long term memories he still has. But there are some things he4 does not remember. The layout of our house seems to cause him a big problem. He has to be told each time which direction to turn when we are going out of the living room to the bathroom or to our bedroom. He doesn't go anywhere without me. He asks me to help him with everything. It is like he has forgotten how to do the simple things. Like fasten his pants, shave, brush his teeth. It is very interesting. I have taken care of many stroke patients over the past 28 years that I have been a nurse. But I have never taken one of them home with me.
     The first few days were really a struggle. For me....not for Richard. I kept thinking that we would wake up one morning and he would be normal again. We found that reading the paper was a real struggle. Doctor had warned us that his eyesight could come and go and not to try to see the Optometrist for at least 6 months. In the beginning, I read the paper to him each morning. But now he can read most of it himself. But by noon he cannot remember that he read it so he will read it again. And it is news to him all over again.
     His personality seems to have changed also. He is much more gentle with the kids. And kinder. And very touchy, feely with me. He wants me in the same room with him. And he always used to sleep with his back towards my back in bed and now he has to face me and TOUCH me. It is like he is afraid, but he does not know what he is afraid of. He faced death. But he does not know that. Or if he does, it is in his subconscious and he is not aware.
     I put up a piece paper each day with the month, date, day and year. He only has to look around to find it and then he knows what the date is. I help him with dressing and personal hygiene now. He does not go to the bathroom alone. I prepare all of his food for him. I give him his medication twice a day and again at bedtime. He does ask repeatedly if he has had his pills. He spends most of the day sitting in his recliner watching TV. It is sad. But he does seem happy.
    And this is our new life!

Rehabilitation

2011-10-31T18:23:00.000-05:00

     Rehabilitation.....what exactly does that mean. Richard is learning to walk with a walker. He can walk well but having the walker really gives him the stability that he has needed for a long time. They are trying to encourage him to take long strides (instead of the small shuffle steps he takes due to the Parkinson's disease) He needs constant reminding. They are working with him on dressing, toileting, and bathing. It is apparent he will need help with all of this. The biggest thing is they have told him he will NEVER be able to drive again. This is hard on most men and will be hard for Richard too; if he ever can remember that we have told him that. He is a independent man and will not want this taken away from him.
     Therapy is intense. They work for 3 hours every morning. Then he has a rest period and then lunch. And then they are back for 3 hours in the afternoon. He is worn out. But, not sleeping good at night.I remind them that he uses sleeping pills at home. They will check with the doctor.
     The memory remains the biggest obstacle. You can tell him what is going on and in 30 minutes he still does not remember.
     Discharge planning is in place. We will leave for home on Wednesday morning, September 28. How is this going to change our lives. Time will tell. Everything is in place. And we will return to the hospital on October 4 for an overnight stay to have his right carotid cleaned out.

And the hard work begins

2011-10-28T22:43:00.000-05:00

     All of this happened on Friday night......my son and his girlfriend go home with me. Richard is on the ventilator in the ICU. His heart rate is still slow but it is stabilized. I will leave him to rest And hope that I will be able to rest also.
     Saturday morning my cousin from Lawrence arrives. We go to the hospital! Richard is awake and aware that he has a tube in his throat to breathe for him. He is very restless. It is more than I can take. We do not know how much damage from the stroke that he has suffered. He has a catheter in his bladder and it is driving him crazy. He is fidgeting and trying to pull out the tubes. They sedate him with Diprovan. The same drug that killed Michael Jackson. They call it the 'milk of amesia'. But it works to keep him calmer. They try to wean him off the ventilator but it does not work. He is too sedated. He quits breathing. The machine is turned back on. The doctors come and go. He has one on one care. I am very scared. Family comes and goes. Justin stays with me.
     Tomorrow morning (Sunday) they will again try to take him off the ventilator. Justin, Calvin and I go home. He is resting!
     Sunday morning we go back to the hospital. He has passed the weaning test and the tube comes out of his throat. He is very confused. He does not know where he is. He does not know the date, the year, or who is the President of the United States. But his speech is clear and he is moving all extremities with equal strength. They want to do an MRI but he is too restless. So they do another CAT scan. He has had a stroke in the occipital lobe. Looks like it will affect vision and memory. Praise the Lord. It could have been so much worse.
     Calvin goes back to Lawrence. Justin is going to stay. Darian and Harley come to the hospital to see their Papa. It scares Harley to see him like this. I will take them home tonight so that we can get them back on their schedule and normalacy will return to our lives. (Who am I kidding? It will never be normal again).
     Monday morning is here. I cannot believe it has only been 2 days since my life was normal and I was at home wishing I did not need to start looking for a job again. (That's another story! But, be careful what you wish for. I go back to the hospital and the plan today is to move him to a regular room upstairs and start planning for the future. He still is confused and it looks like the short term memory is gone. Whatever we tell him we have to tell him again over and over. He now knows who the president is. Justin was glad he didn't have to break the news that Barack Obama was President. Richard is a die-hard Republican.
     The move upstairs is hard on the confusion. Thinks he has moved to a different hospital. We have to keep telling him where he is. During the night he gets up and wonders around in his room so they move him to a room closer to the nurses and into a bed that alarms when he gets up. Oh boy! This is disturbing to me.
Today he is seen by all the rehab specialities to see if he qualifies to move into the intense rehab unit or if he goes to the skilled nursing unit. He also goes for a cardiac stress test. We are happy to hear that he will go into the rehab unit and receive intense therapy for most of the day. They move him downstairs to another new room. This is now his 4th room in as many days. And he cannot keep it all straight in his head. He does not remember Friday night at all. Maybe that is a good thing. His cardiologist decides we need to check his carotid arteries so he is scheduled for carotid angiograms tomorrow. I am stressed. Too much for him and too much for me.
     Wednesday he starts therapy. He is worn out. But the day is not over. At 4 p.m. they take him to the cath lab for the angiogram. I have to go home to meet the school bus. We return to the hospital. He is still in the cath lab recovering but no doctor to tell me what they found. Hopefully I can talk to him tomorrow. Richard remains upbeat but confused. He does whatever they tell him. They are feeding him a pureed diet. He has aspiration pneumonia. What more can happen?

My life has forever changed

2011-10-27T11:46:00.000-05:00

     On September 16, 2011 we as a family sat down to supper. I had made beef stir-fry. A meal that my husband and the grand kids 'used' to really like. Not long into the meal, my husband, Richard, put his head into his hands and complained that he 'felt dizzy'. I sat across the table from him. I told him he needed to raise his head and open his eyes. It is true that you feel an increase in your dizziness with your eyes closed. When he raised his head up, I could see that he was having trouble opening his left eye. I told him to open his eye.......both of the kids watched on......then I said, "Richard, smile at me!" He did! His smile was crooked...his mouth was drooping on the left side. I knew at this time that he was having a stroke. The kids laughed as the smile on their Papa's face was pretty funny looking. I got up and walked to his end of the table. I tried not to scare the kids. My heart was beating in my throat. I gave him my hands and told him to squeeze. He could! In fact, I thought he might break my fingers :) The kids continued to eat!. I gave him a sip of water as he still had some of the stir-fry in his mouth. The water dribbled out of the left side of his mouth. I asked if he thought we should go to the hospital. His reply was 'no I am not going to the hospital' Good, the speech was clear. But this caused two forks to bang to the table. The grandson stood and said, "Granny, what is going on" In a matter of fact way (well it sounded that way to me) I said "I think Papa is having a stroke." The grandson and I tried to stand him up so that we could take him to his recliner in the living room. He could not bear weight. I said "Richard, I think we need to go to the hospital!" His reply was "nonone eyye same caner goop" Yep, it was time to call 911!
     So I instructed the grandson to stand on one side and the grand-daughter (who by now was beginning to cry) to stand on the other side and granny grabbed the portable phone. I went into the nearby laundry room so as not to scare them any further and placed the call.
     911 operator "What is your emergency?" Me: "My name is Paula and my address is ***** and my husband is having a stroke. 911 operator: "And what makes you think this, mam?" I then told her that I am an RN and what his symptoms were and to please send us an ambulance STAT. I hung up the phone and returned to my husbands side. Very shortly after he slumped into his chair and his head lolled to the side. It was at this moment I again picked up the phone and called 911 again to see what was taking them so long. (Later, that night when I checked the phone I found that only 2 minutes had passed since I had called them the first time...not the hours that it seemed like) While telling the 911 operator the new developments the fire department arrived. My 11 year old grand-daughter had totally lost it by now and was loudly crying and running about. I had to grab hold of her and tell her she had to pull it together and to get a sack and go gather up all of Papa's medications.
     Three big, beautiful and life-saving firemen entered the house. They lifted Papa from his chair and placed him on the dining room floor. The kids went out front to await the arrival of the ambulance. And to comfort each other. I was giving all of Richard's medical history to the firemen as they begin to feel for a pulse and place oxygen on his face. His color was grey. His pulse was present, but slow.
     Then the ambulance arrived and into the house they came with all of their life saving paraphernalia. I have never been so happy to see anyone in my entire life! They set about with their work. One talked with me and took down his history. One checked his blood sugar and applied the electrodes to monitor his heart. Another began to start an IV. They then lifted him onto the gurney and rushed him to the front door. It was then that I remembered that he did not wish to be resuscitated should his heart stop beating so I told this to his life-savers and they were heading out the door. One stopped and turned to me and said in the kindest and most caring manner "Mam, when you called for us you asked us to save his life and that is what we plan to do" Good, good. They were on their way. In the car we followed. The kids and granny. We were all shaken and we were scared. My grand-daughter said, 'granny, I knew this day was coming. But I didn't know it would b e today!' Me either, Harley, me either. The day was beautiful. We had had an uneventful day. We did not know this is how it would end.
     About two blocks into the trip to the hospital, with us following closely behind, the ambulance flipped on the red lights and the sirens and they began to weave in and out of traffic as they flew down the streets to the hospital. Now I was SCARED! "Would he still be alive when we got to the hospital?"
     I had called our adopted daughter (who lives close by) and she was to meet me at the hospital. I had called my youngest son, who lives 60 miles away and he is on his way. And I had called my oldest brother and he would meet me at the hospital too. He had just lost his wife, Pam, in June. He would be a comfort to me. The 'adopted' daughter would take the kids. And I would hold on for Justin, the youngest son.
     Upon arriving at the hospital I entered by the ER. I was met by a gentleman nurse, who guided me through the admission process. I did not want to do this. I wanted to see my husband. "Would they make me do this if he had died on his way to the hospital", I wondered. I answered her questions the best way that I could. I kept looking at the nurse who stood at my side. Finally I had to have an answer to the question. "IS HE STILL ALIVE" I asked. I was told that he would go back and see what was going on and then come back to get me. My 'adopted' daughters husband arrived to take the kids home. My brother arrived. Finally a nurse, who introduced herself as the ER supervisor came to tell me that the Doctor would like to talk to me in the QUIET ROOM. " This cannot be good" I told my brother as we followed her down the hallway.
     We settled into the Quiet Room and the nurse gave a bit of an update. Richard had stopped breathing in the ambulance and was intubated (a tube placed to help him breathe) His heart rate was very, very slow and they were giving him medication to help increase it which was also making his blood pressure too high so they would have to work with that. They were taking him for a CAT scan of his head to determine if he was having a 'bleeding' stroke. I asked the nurse if I could see him and she took me into the hall for a brief moment as he was one his way to XRay. He looked very sick!
     The Doctor came into the room and asked us what we were wanting to do. What? I don't know what to do? Don't ask me! Wait.....what are our options. He said if we were thinking about surgery we needed to act fast, get him to a bigger hospital quickly as there is a very tiny window of time for this type of surgery. If the CAT scan does not show an active bleed then we can administer TPA ( a really high powered blood thinner and clot buster). I know that Richard would not want brain surgery. But trying the TPA sounded like a good idea. TPA can only be administered if you are in a certain time window of when the stoke occurred and we were in time.
     So, after the CAT scan was completed and there was no active bleed he was back to the ER and the TPA was started. We waited for an ICU bed to free up so that he could be moved there. Our sons arrived along with other members of my family. I was so glad to have them all there to support me and to show Richard how much they cared for him. God is amazing and so is my family!

Look for the next installment....COMING SOON

May we never forget......

2011-09-11T10:13:00.002-05:00

Mother's Day is coming.....

2011-05-04T14:08:00.002-05:00

I have now been a mother for almost 40 years. Yep, I said that right. In September of 1971 I gave birth to my firstborn and he will be 40 this coming September. Where have the years gone...it seems like only yesterday.
What have I learned in the past 40 years?
1. I have learned that being a mom never stops. It is a lifetime occupation. And you get no advance training. You learn on the job. There isn't a book or a workbook or a DVD to help you learn what to do. Oh there are plenty of books that give advice. And I have read most of them through the past 40 years. I have learned that some of that advice is sound advice and it works. I have learned that some of the people who give advice are either crackpots or never have had any kids of their own. So you just have to sort through it and take what you want and trash the rest.
2. I have learned that you sometimes have to listen to what your kids say. Sometimes they aren't asking you for the world, but just for a few moments of your time. If I could return to that day in 1971 when I gave birth for the first time, I would have promised him to give him every spare moment of my time. I would have listened to their dreams, their joys, their cares, and their hopes.
3. I have learned that you cannot be your kids friend. They need a parent; not another friend. They need someone to listen and to guide them. They need to have rules and consequences. And it is hard to make them stick to the punishment you give them. So that takes patience.
4. I have learned that you need patience. And plenty of it. But I haven't yet learned where that comes from! Patience is the hardest one.
5. I've learned that you have to know how to be a referee, be a nurse, be a chauffeur, be a short order cook, and wear all those hats at the same time.
6. I have learned that THEIR dreams will not necessarily be MY dreams.
7. I've learned that I might not always like who they choose to spend their lives with, but we will have to find a way to get along for the sake of my sons.

8. I've learned that I might have to be available to help them in ways that were not in my plans.....like step up and raise their kids when they aren't able to. And to still love them unconditionally. And be quiet when the rest of the world is bashing them for their choices.

9. I've learned that it is even harder to stay out of their business when they are taking care of their child. Even though I don't agree with how it is being done. (hear me clearing my throat)

10. But the hardest lesson I have learned as a mom is to let go. I have had to take that backseat and watch as they go through life with all of it's trials and tribulations. I've learned that they don't always appreciate my advice. They will ask for it if they need it. It is hard to see them make mistakes and not run to try to fix it for them. Whether it is going to jail, losing a job, losing a marriage...they will survive it and hopefully become better men because of it. I will just continue in my role of picking them up, dusting them off, and encourage them to try again!

And finally I have learned that being a MOM doesn't always mean giving birth to them:

Countdown

2011-04-10T23:20:00.000-05:00

Free Disney Tickers

Words from The Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-03-28T13:26:00.001-05:00

Outside my window...

The skies are grey....winter is back...it is only 36*outside. Yesterday we had snow flurries. At least the wind is only slight today.

I am thinking...

A lot about my oldest son lately.....don't know why! Wonder what he is up to. The kids called yesterday to tell their parents about their up-coming trip to Walt Disney World and dad wasn't there so he was supposed to call them back when he got home but guess what.....no return call. They were disappointed. Don't know what to tell them anymore.

I am thankful for...

The wonderful benefactor that is providing this awesome trip for us to take the kids to Walt Disney World.

From the kitchen...

Are you kidding me.....who has time for the kitchen now days.

I am wearing...

my scrubs as soon I will be leaving for work.

I am creating...

Lists, lists, lists.....getting ready to go to Walt Disney World

I am going...

to work soon....Just had four days off and did not accomplish much of anything. Well besides the "Big Reveal" to let Darian and Harley in on the surprise that Papa and I and Marvin and Heather and their kids have known about for the past 3 months. It was a wonderful "surprise" birthday party for Heather. Took the kiddos about 24 hours to figure out that we really are going to Disney.

I am reading...

Blood Ransom.......A book about slave trade in Africa.!

I am hoping...

That soon we will receive that income tax check so I can start buying shirts for our trip.

I am hearing...

TV in the background....a soap opera

Around the house...

I have cleaned Harley's and Darian's bedrooms for the spring! Rest of the house to go

One of my favorite things...

is summertime. Wish it would get here soon. Wait I just gave a lecture to Harley yesterday about wishing her life away. LOL!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

I work on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Saturday and Sunday. No real plans otherwise.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing.....

I am a simple woman and here is my Daybook

2011-03-11T13:34:00.000-06:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...

The sky is a soft, baby boy blue. There is just enough breeze that I can see the tip of the American flag waving by the window. The sun is shining. And it is 69F. Oh I know that spring is on its way.

I am thinking...

About how much different this campout will be for Darian this weekend. The last one he went on in January was freezing cold with snow on the ground. Today they predict will get up in the 70's and tomorrow will be a high in the upper 50's. Although it will still get down into the 30's at night...maybe he won't freeze. That is if he remembers why it is important to change out of the clothers you wore all day into dry ones and to take his gloves.

I am thankful for...

the warm weather and the impending arrival of spring. The tulips and the daffodills are peeking through the ground out front.

From the kitchen...

Last night we all ate salads for supper. Can't wait for those big juicy tomatoes coming from my garden. Along with the cucumbers and peppers.

I am wearing...

my scrubs as soon I will be leaving for work.

I am creating...

Still working on the pictures in Picasa. Maybe I will get that done this weekend.

I am going...

to go to work...we have a new resident coming today Yipee skippy

I am reading...

A book names "Listen" Is about a small town with a website that someone is posting private conversations on.....interesting!

I am hoping...

For good news from the tax man

I am hearing...

a cartoon that Darian has on and he isn't even in the room

Around the house...

I want to start some spring cleaning.....Darian's room first. He won't be here all weekend.

One of my favorite things...

is eating potato chips with sour cream.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

off this weekend and Paige is coming over on Saturday so her mother can finalize the wedding plans

Here is picture for thought I am sharing.....

Tidbits From the beginning of March

2011-03-03T22:57:00.000-06:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...
the sky is inky black but there are some twinkling stars. The temperature has dropped to 40F after a glorious 62F today. But, the weatherman says it will only get up to 40F tomorrow and we will have a brief taste of winter once again. These are the days after winter and before spring that I don't like.

I am thinking...
Why do I keep wishing that spring would get here. I am only wishing away my life. I should be thinking what a glorious day this was and be happy with that.

I am thankful for...
Girl Scout Cookies.....I ate a whole box of Carmel Delights all by myself last night as I was reading!

From the kitchen...
Papa went to Long John Silvers tonight and that is all the action the kitchen saw today. Maybe I will get back to cooking again someday

I am wearing...
still my jeans and my Pleasantview 5 Star T-shirt

I am creating...
I have been working on cleaning up the pictures in my Picasa account and I hope to start creating some digital scrapbook pages for the grand kids (hint, hint, Heather_

I am going...
to bed soon. I have a headache, and a neck ache and my eyes hurt.

I am reading...
Still reading Life, Love, and a Polar Bear Tattoo....I am slow! I am too busy to read nowadays

I am hoping...
spring comes soon....see, there I go doing it again.

I am hearing...
CNN from the other room. How much news can a man watch???

Around the house...
I haven't done much of anything. Today I did think that it would soon be time to start to clean out the flower beds. As if I need something else to do.

One of my favorite things...
is seeing members of my family. And today I saw and visited with my niece Debbi and saw my brother Chuck and sis-in-law Pam. Was good to visit with them all.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
this is my four day to work weekend and I don't plan any further ahead than that.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing.....
that is me catching a nap on the couch and some smart Alec kid with a camera.

Tidbits from my Daybook

2011-02-20T13:15:00.000-06:00

For today...

Outside my window...it is a cloudy day, but the temperature is 69* And it is still February.

The snow is GONE.

I am thinking...that it is a real shame I have to go to work on such a nice day. But, alas, someone
has to bring home the bacon.

I am hearing...the clatter of Legos as Darian digs through his supply trying to build something.

I am thankful for...indications that spring is on it's way.

Yes!

I am wearing...my scrubs. As soon I will head off to work.
Again.

I am remembering...some beautiful sunny beaches in Venezuela when we visited there in 1996.
Amen.

I am going...to try to get my pictures on the computer organized so that I can start scanning some more in.

I am reading......Life, Love, and a Polar Bear Tattoo by Heather Wardell.

I am reading it on my new Barnes and Nobel Color Nook that my dear son
got me for Christmas. I LOVE it

I am hoping...today and tomorrow go by smoothly so that I can enjoy my Tuesday off.
Doing laundry.

I am creating...absolutely nothing..

Too lazy!

On my mind...so many things.

Pondering these words....

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."

— Dr. Seuss

From the kitchen...wondering what to make for dinner this week on Tuesday and Thursday.

Around the house... the birds are at the feeders.

And the squirrels are at it too.....had 6 of them chasing each other this morning.
And yesterday morning a flock of turkeys in the backyard. We are all yearning for spring.

.

Girls In their Glasses

2011-02-18T13:18:00.000-06:00

Paige got glasses! Doesn't she look adorable?

This was taken at Christmas.

Now if we could just get her to wear them more.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-02-13T23:32:00.001-06:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...it is dark and quiet but the snow is still melting as today was almost 70*

I am thinking...how sad I am that the weekend is over..but looking forward to another week ahead

I am thankful for...all that I have

From the kitchen...not much has been going on there. Fixed a quickie pork roast for supper tonight.

I am wearing...my jammies

I am creating...nothing now. We finished all 20 Valentine Water Bottles (see post below)

I am going...to beddie bye real soon as mornings are always too early for this old nightowl

I am reading...Something in "High Heels" on my new Nook color that I am so in love with

I am hoping...for lots more of this wonderful weather

I am hearing...dripping off the eaves of the house. There was a whale of snow up there.

Around the house...I have lots to do and I am too darn lazy

One of my favorite things...is how quiet the house is after the TV is off and the kids are in bed. I miss my alone time

A few plans for the rest of the week:school, work, wrestling matches, and basketball practice.

Here is a picture I am sharing: I won't be unhappy to see this go. Anyone want to sit outside with me?

The simple Woman's Daybook

Valentine Love Juice

2011-02-13T15:40:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day....We thought we would do something besides boring boxed Valentines.

I bought a case of water and packages of Hawaiian Punch Mix, some red wrapping paper and downloaded the other things from a blog that I follow TaterTots and Jello. Then Harley And I got busy with scissors, ribbon, and double sided tape and made these cute bottles of "love juice" for her to take to school tomorrow for Valentines Day......

Aren't they the cutest!

Truer Words were never spoken

2011-02-09T23:02:00.003-06:00

Former Inman Police Chief Found Guilty

2011-01-21T00:10:00.001-06:00

Former Kan. police chief convicted of molestation

Associated Press - January 20, 2011 8:54 PM ET
Mcpherson, Kan. (AP) - A former central Kansas police chief has been convicted on 15 sex-related charges involving children of a former girlfriend.

A McPherson County jury deliberated 13 hours before returning the verdicts Thursday against 39-year-old Mike Akins Jr. Akins was the police chief in Inman, a town of about 1,200 people, when the crimes allegedly occurred in 2009.

The Hutchinson News reports Akins was found guilty of molesting, inappropriately touching or soliciting three girls, now 10, 11 and 15 years old. He was acquitted on four charges, including molestation of another child in the family, a boy now 14 years old.

Akins denied the charges during the trial. He said he often wore only boxer shorts around the children simply for comfort, and had the girls help shave his back because he couldn't reach it.

Information from: The Hutchinson News, http://www.hutchnews.com

What I am Reading

2011-01-20T23:05:00.000-06:00

Action-packed suspense of a reluctant larger-than-life hero who finds himself in the vortex of rapidly changing world events. Dominion Trilogy book 1.

"All in all, with Relentless, Robin Parrish has given readers an excellent, different approach to a murder mystery book. Mr. Parrish has my endorsement for this, his initial, very imaginative foray into a difficult genre."

I am reading this on my wonderful new Nook Color that my son gave me for Christmas.......Thank you Justin..

Enough

2011-01-20T22:40:00.001-06:00

Okay enough of this winter stuff....no more snow and no more ice! I am done. I have had enough!

Last night it took me over a half hour to drive home from work. It usually takes me 12-15 minutes.

And I couldn't go faster than 30 mph.....well maybe I could have but I might have been in the ditch.

So I am declaring it to be the end of this crap.

No More Snow

No more Ice.

Time to start the big melt

Time for some warm weather.

Is anyone listening?

Guess What I Did Today?

2011-01-16T23:11:00.000-06:00

My favorite sister usually visits on one of my days off.

(Okay, so she is my only sister)

I was positive that she would come today.

So sure , in fact, that I got out my sewing machine and set it up.

No. not the one above.

I have an almost brand new one.

One that rarely gets used.

Because, you see, I am not the one who knows how to sew.

That would be my favorite sister.

(Okay, I know....she is my only sister).

I can't sew worth a darn.

And I usually end up messing up the machine.

And she usually ends up fixing it.

And then taking home what needs to be sewn and doing it herself.

So I had a plan.

Darian, my grandson, needs patches sewn onto his Boy Scout shirt.

And he needs them by tomorrow.

So, the way I figured it if I set up the machine and my sister

showed up.......then she would just whip them on to save herself

from having to fix my machine.

BUT GUESS WHAT?

She didn't come today.

And he needs the shirt tomorrow.

So, with Papa and 2 kids watching, I set about to sew on the

council patch and his troop numbers.

AND I DID IT!!!

Then I had to call my sister and tell he what I did.

Dumb.

Now she won't be taking home any more of my sewing.

Tragedy in Arizona

2011-01-11T15:36:00.000-06:00

While what happened in Arizona is very sad, what I find even worse is the way the media cannot let go of it. I think it is time that American media accept their part of the blame they play in all of these terrible things that happen in our country. These wackos that do these terrible crimes are wanting exactly what the media gives to them. They know that they will be caught and tried. They also know that America will never forget their names. And somewhere in their messed up brains that is what they want. NOTORIETY. While I cannot remember a single victims name in the Columbine shooting, I know both of the shooters names well. And something is wrong with that. I say we turn off the 24 hour a day news channels. Enough is enough.

Unique Traditions

2010-12-11T12:53:00.000-06:00

Todays Holidailie is about unique traditions. I don't know if we really have anything that is unique. We do not put the tree up the day after Thanksgiving that is for sure. In fact, mine is up but still waiting to be decorated. Maybe by Monday. And I sure as heck don't go shopping the day after Thanksgiving. I think you have to be crazy to that.....and anyone who knows me, knows I'm not CRAZY! We do decorate the inside and the outside of our house. And we drink eggnog and listen to Christmas music while we decorate. I should say that is while I decorate. Cause no one else really likes to help. Maybe I can con Harley into doing it this year. When my boys were growing up it was tradition to wait until Christmas morning to open presents. We usually went to either of the grandparents for Christmas Eve and we always stayed home on Christmas. But now it is impossible to find a day that fits for everyone so we break up Christmas into a week of festivities. Ha! Ha! It really has more to do with no one likes anyone else so we have to keep them all apart. No really, with me in nursing and youngest son a cop, neither of us ever get holidays off so we do what works. I have always said....Christmas can be any day that you make it. The Saturday night before Christmas is our night to fill the thermos with hot chocolate, (something spiked for the Mrs.) load up the kids in the Suburban and go see Christmas lights. The kids love it and we always try to locate Santa somewhere.....

Holidailies Day Number one for me.....

2010-12-10T23:25:00.000-06:00

Holidailies is a website that you can find here. It offers

prompts so that people can update their blogs daily starting on December 6 and

lasts until January 5th, 2011.

So I am going to try to follow along....

I am going to catch up today

December 6....My name is Paula and this is my blog :Paula's Place.

December 7.....Guilty pleasures

Oh my do I have some guilty pleasures.

1. Sour cream and potato chips

2. egg nog (and I might add something to it)

3. White chocolate with peppermints pieces.

December 8th

Childhood holiday traditions that you are happy not to follow as an adult

I am happy not to have to go to Grandma's house anymore.

I didn't like that mean old lady.

But alas she is no longer with us so I should not speak badly of the

deceased.

December 9

The strangest thing in the room

Hmmmmm does that mean this room.

The strangest thing in this room is him.

You know....him.

That boy that is sleeping behind me.

He is strange.

But he is ours.

And I love him.

So there.

December 10

Religion in the holiday season

Well, now.....

I believe in God.

I believe in Jesus.

I do believe he was born on Christmas Day

So I think that religion in the holiday season is okay!

It will come.....the empty Nest

2010-11-09T22:25:00.000-06:00

The baby is teething, the children are fighting, and my husband just called and said to eat dinner without him.

Okay, one of these days you'll shout, "Why don't you grow up and act your age?" ….. and they will. Or, "You guys get outside and find yourself something to do and don't slam the door." ….. and they won't.

You'll straighten up their bedrooms all neat and tidy with bumper stickers discarded, bed-spread tucked and smoothed, toys all displayed on the shelves, hangers in the closets, animals caged, and you'll say out loud, "Now I want you to stay this way!" …. and they will.

Then you'll prepare a perfect dinner with a salad that hasn't been picked to death, a cake with no finger traces through the frosting, and you'll say, "Now there's a meal for company." …. but you'll eat it alone. And you'll say, "I want complete privacy on the phone! No dancing around, no pantomimes, no demolition crews!

Silence! Do you hear me?" …. and you'll have it.

No more plastic tablecloths stained with spaghetti, no more anxious nights under a vaporizer tent, no more dandelion bouquets, no more iron-on patches, no more wet-knotted shoe strings, no more tight boots, or rubber bands on pony tails. Now, imagine your lipstick with a point. No baby sitter on New Year's Eve. Washing clothes only once a week. No PTA meetings, no car pools, no blaring radios, having your own roll of tape, no more Christmas presents made out of toothpicks and paste, no more wet-oatmeal kisses, no tooth fairy, no giggles in the dark, no knees to Band-aid.

Only a memory of a voice crying, "Why don't you grow up?" And in the silence will come the echo, "I did."

Halloween at our House

2010-10-28T22:56:00.000-05:00

The End of the Season

2010-10-15T13:28:00.001-05:00

7th Grade Football Team at Prairie Hills Middle School......Beat Derby 43-12! Ended their season with 2 losses.

Darian is on front row right of number 83

Making Toobstones

2010-10-15T13:26:00.000-05:00

We spent last week helping Paige and Harley make these!

Happy birthday Angel Baby

2010-10-14T23:03:00.004-05:00

36 years ago today I gave birth to one of God's own

Angel Babies.

Elaine

RIP sweet baby daughter

October 14, 1974

It has been a long summer.........

2010-09-21T14:53:00.002-05:00

But Jethro returns tonight!

I hate to admit it but...

2010-09-20T12:56:00.002-05:00

September Song

Well, it's a long, long while

From May to December

But the days grow short

When we reach September

When the Autumn weather

Turns the leaves to flame

One hasn't got time

For the waiting game

Oh, the days dwindle down

To a precious few

September~

November~

And these few precious days

I'll spend with you

These golden days

I'll spend with you

K. Weill and M. Anderson

Happy Labor Day

2010-09-06T13:06:00.001-05:00

Do you know what I am doing today?

Do you know how I celebrate Labor Day

If you guessed....WORKING...then you are right!

Our Newest Edition

2010-09-04T13:17:00.000-05:00

Our newest Edition

Meadow Hadleigh Schlatter

Born September 1, 2010

7 pounds 18 1/2 inches

It is NOT to be Believed

2010-09-03T22:09:00.000-05:00

Guess who was selected to be one of the Students of the Week

This week at PHMS?

Could it possibly be this kid?

I think it was.

And we are so very proud of Him.

The things kids say

2010-08-28T23:48:00.000-05:00

Just as Darian was drifting off to sleep he asks:
"Why can't people be born with tails?"

Getting on the Bus

2010-08-28T23:25:00.000-05:00

Do you see him in the door of the bus?

He gets on every morning at 7:50 a.m. and goes 2/10th of a mile to school.

I miss him as soon as the door closes.

He lets me kiss him goodbye.

On the porch.

Long before the bus is in site.

He's a 7th grader now, you know.

Can't let your friends see a granny kissing you good-bye.

He's growing up.

He will leave us someday.

And I will miss him!

I'm trying.....I'm trying

2010-08-27T13:01:00.002-05:00

The Best Place Ever to Buy School clothes

2010-08-26T23:31:00.000-05:00

I am not made out of money.

And I certainly don't have one of those trees growing out back with money hanging on it.

When my grand daughter arrived here, she did not have anything to wear.

I went on the hunt and found that clothes for little girls are

cheaply made

expensive

not fit to wear (if bought used)

So what is a granny like me to do.

EBAY to the rescue.

The above pictures are some of the clothes that I purchased this year for Harley to start school.

And you know what she came home and said today?

"The girls at school want to know where I get my clothes cause I have the cutest things."

Way to go granny

What I am learning about ADHD

2010-08-25T13:22:00.000-05:00

I am not a walking encyclopedia about ADHD, but I am learning....
Two of my beautiful grandchildren have this diagnosis and they are as different as day and night.
Paige is a 5th grader. She and Harley are only 3 months apart in age. They are almost like twins.
Paige was diagnosed with ADHD when she first started school. I was so opposed to her being on medication. And then she would come to stay with me........Paige on medication/Paige off medication.
I liked her best when she was on medication. She likes herself better on medication. And she can focus and do what she needs to do. And she is delightful.
Darian wasn't diagnosed until he came to live with us in December 2008. And he is not the hyperactive, bouncing off the walls, type of kid. He just can't focus. He can't keep his mind on math! He can't complete a game. Or read a book to the end. Darian is in the 7th grade now. He has been on Concerta since February 2010. And the difference it has made in his life is not to be believed. He is calm. And happy. And likes to do math. And loves to read. Of course, he loves video games too. And now he is really good at them. And he plays football and baseball. And has friends. And doesn't fight in school.
Darian sometimes has trouble sleeping at night because of the meds.
I found a web site (can't remember how I stumbled upon it) but he loves to meditate.
Try it out: marc.ucla.edu. Click on Mindful Meditations. I have downloaded them for his MP3 player.

Waiting for Life to settle down

2010-08-24T21:59:00.001-05:00

The kids started back to school last week.

Whoever heard of going to school on August 17th?

It's still hot outside.

The swimming pool is still calling.

And Grandma is not ready to get up so early.

But never the less it is Back to school.

This is the first year that the kids will not be in the same school.

Harley is in the 5th grade.

She was pretty nervous about going without Darian.

But, with fancy new clothes and a backpack for a Princess

she climbed onto the bus at 7:13 a.m. and away she went to the 5th grade.

It was raining that morning.

She is having her classes this year in two classrooms.

She does reading, spelling, and math in one room.

And all the rest in another room.

Her rooms are in what they call 'the modulars'

Those are like trailer houses parked next to the school.

There are 320 4th, 5th, and 6th graders at her school.

She is starting into the band this year.

Playing the drums!

Have we lost our minds?

I'll let you know.

Darian is a 7th grader.

Wow, seems like only yesterday he was in pre-school.

Time flies!

He gets on the bus at 7:54 a.m.

Lot of time between Harley and him.

Time alone with Grandma.

Time to talk about 7th grade boy things.

We had to go to the school on Monday night for 'parent' night.

They gave us a copy of his schedule and we had to go from class to class when the bell rang.

Papa and I are old!

And some of his classes are far apart.

We have a new appreciation for what he does.

Doesn't he look all grown up?

He is playing football so there is practice everyday after school.

He comes home pretty stinky. And tired.

Hold on Papa and Grandma, the ride is beginning.

The Thing About Grandchildren

2010-08-23T23:11:00.002-05:00

If I hear the comment once more that the good thing about grandchildren is that you can spoil them and send them home.....I might scream.
You see that is not always so!
I am raising two of my grandchildren.
I am not raising them because this is what I want to do!
Believe me, I had other ideas about how I was going to spend these years leading up to the GOLDEN ones.
And it was not about shopping for kids, with kids. It was not about helping with homework. And it was not
about disciplining them. It was not about tucking them into their beds at night. It was not about worrying if they are okay. I was going to travel and garden and enjoy my life with Papa. Anyway, that is what I thought I was going to do.
Until one cold December day in 2008 when the big sister of my two grand kids called up, crying, and saying that Darian and Harley were not being taken care of. Mom had checked herself into rehab and left these two with Dad who was living wherever he could find a place to sleep and cook up his meth.
And that is the day they came to live with us.
And changed our lives forever.
We don't sit in our recliners and eat supper anymore. (Well sometimes we do) We now have meals at the table so that we can teach them some manners and give them some stability.
We don't watch whatever we want on TV. Cause, have you noticed how little on TV is good for any child under the age of, oh say, 21. My goodness the things that are on prime time. I don't want to have explain that to kids yet.
We have to have a bedtime, cause it is way to hard to get up really early in the morning and send them off to school if you don't go to bed really early in the evening. I am still working on this one, cause I am a night owl so I am always tired. never enough sleep.
So I have decided that this little blog of mine is going to change. I am going to start talking about what it is like for an old woman (age 59) and an old man (age 77) who have found themselves parenting again.

Happy 4th of July

2010-07-02T12:13:00.000-05:00

“All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom; justice; honor; duty; mercy; hope.”

― Winston Churchill

A Favorite of Mine

2010-06-11T00:02:00.000-05:00

""If there's ever a tomorrow when we're not together, there's something you should remember

You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart, I'll always be with you.""

Author: Christopher Robin - Pooh's Grand Adventure

Oh how Well I Remember those days

2010-06-06T22:53:00.000-05:00

Quick Smiles

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Tech Support: "I need you to right-click on the Open Desktop."

Customer: "Ok."

Tech Support: "Did you get a pop-up menu?"

Customer: "No."

Tech Support: "Ok. Right click again. Do you see a pop-up menu?"

Customer: "No."

Tech Support: "Ok, sir. Can you tell me what you have done up until this

point?"

Customer: "Sure, you told me to write 'click' and I wrote click'."

2010-06-05T22:10:00.002-05:00

2010-06-04T12:08:00.000-05:00

Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Memorial Day 2010

2010-05-31T13:07:00.001-05:00

Enjoy the Ride

2010-05-27T23:45:00.002-05:00

Boy isn't this the truth?

We have sure been on an old-time rail journey here at my house.

We took in two of our grand kids in December, 2009, and life hasn't been the same.

We have had some sidetracks for sure.

And there has been a lot of dust.

All over the place.

Cause Granny doesn't have the time to clean like she used to.

Nor the desire.

And I have learned that a dust free home really isn't all that important.

We have had our share of cinders.

But we overcome them.

Sometimes we use them to light the candles so we can find our way.

And there have been several jolts for sure.

One of the biggest jolts was the best thing to happen at our house.

It caused us to change school systems and brought about a big, beautiful

change in one young man's life.

We have also been able to enjoy the beautiful vistas.

Papa likes the company when Granny is away at work.

And it is true that Kids can say the Darndest things.

We have had some good laughs.

And some good crys.

But in the end I hope that we have changed their lives.

For they have sure changed ours.

2010-05-20T23:02:00.002-05:00

Be sure to honor those who Protect and Serve us

2010-05-11T19:06:00.002-05:00

Each May during National Police Week the nation pauses to recognize the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement.

Established in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy and a joint resolution of Congress, National Police Week pays special tribute to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. Ceremonies are held in Washington, DC, and in communities across the country.

For more information about this week and the things happening around DC and the rest of the country, here are some websites that will most likely keep you informed:

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

Concerns of Police Survivors

National Police Wives Association

God Bless and Proctect Trina and Justin......my LEO's

Come on Bret Michaels

2010-04-29T18:23:00.000-05:00

Come on Bret you got to pull through.

You are my favorite aging rock star.

Well, you and Gene Simmons!

I am getting this chance......

2010-04-10T12:05:00.002-05:00

If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again

by Diane Loomans

If I had my child to raise all over again,

I'd build self esteem first, and the house later.

I'd fingerpaint more, and point the finger less.

I would do less correcting and more connecting.

I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.

I would care to know less and know to care more.

I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.

I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.

I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.

I'd do more hugging and less tugging.

I'd see the oak tree in the acorn more often.

I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.

I'd model less about the love of power,

And more about the power of love.

It has occured to me that I am getting the chance to "raise my children again" through
my grandkids. So I need to read this more often and make it my mantra.
I need to pick my battles and chose what is important.
I need to look for the oak tree!

The If Meme

2010-03-11T00:02:00.001-06:00

I found this meme at Dawn's blog called 4:53. I visit her blog everyday and really enjoy what I find there.

The If Meme

If I were a gemstone, I would be a diamond.

Well, that is my birthstone anyway. Maybe I am a diamond in the rough.

If I were a scent, I would fresh baked bread.

Can't you smell me now? LOL

If I were a pair of shoes, I would be Crocs.

Cause I think they are the most comfortable shoe ever.

If I were the weather, I would be a sunny, hot summer day.

No clouds, no rain, no wind. Just hot and sunny.

If I were a facial expression, I would be a smile.

Because what is more fun than a smile.

If I were a car, I would be a 1957 Chevy.

Bright yellow....just like my brother used to have.

Then I would be a 'classic'.

If I were a time of day, I would be midnight.

Ending one day and beginning another.

If were a month, I would be July.

Just because.

If I were a place, I would be a beach.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to be a beach?

If I were a liquid, I would be an icy, cold beer.

Why not?

If I were a taste, I would be spicy.

Cause I am!

If I were a sea animal, I would be a star fish.

Me too!

If I were a food, I would be steak, baked potato with butter and sour cream.

And I would be medium well done!

If I were a color, I would be red.

And spicy.

If I were a musical instrument, I would be a guitar.

And cuddled in someone's arms.

Oh my!

If I were a flower, I would be a poppy, or a deep red rose.

If I were a song, I would be My Way!

I would be sung by Elvis.

And I have done it My Way

If I were a planet, I would be the sun.

If I were an object, I would be a necklace.

Diamonds.

If I were a fruit, I would be a peach.

If I were a sound, I would be the waves of the sea.

Couldn't have said it better.

If I were a day of the week, I would be Saturday.

Cause everyone loves a Saturday!

If I were a pattern, I would be stripes.

Care to join in?

I will continue to persevere

2010-02-22T12:43:00.000-06:00

“Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.”

― George Washington

My Daybook

2010-02-08T12:11:00.002-06:00

For today...

♥

Outside my window...the day is overcast and the tempeture hovers near freezing. We have some snow flurries.
♥

I am thinking...how I should not be sitting here at my computer with so much cleaning to be done.

♥

I am hearing...Disney Channel...my granddaughter Paige is here today.

♥

I am thankful for...my grandkids

♥

I am wearing...jeans, tee, hoodie, socks

♥

I am remembering...things that went on at work last eveing.....not good!
♥

I am going...to pick up my paycheck pretty soon. Along with the kiddos from school

♥

I am creating...some valentines.

♥

On my mind...changing the bedding later

♥

Noticing that...I am ready for spring!

♥

Pondering these words...

"Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides."
How true that is

♥

From the kitchen...a pot roast with carrots in the crock pot
I do have coffee! Always the coffee.

♥

Around the house...there is always so much to do....I must make a list
♥

One of my fave things...cookies with milk.

They are the best!

YUM!!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

A picture to share

It says love

Happy Birthday Darian

2010-01-31T22:02:00.001-06:00

Today my ‘favorite’ grandson turned

12. I cannot believe that sweet little blonde baby

is now a 12 year old young man. Happy Birthday!

Thinking of my mom today

2010-01-26T23:27:00.001-06:00

Today my mom would have been 87 years old.

I miss you mom!

Happy Birthday

Sunday Stealing

2010-01-24T00:31:00.001-06:00

Today we ripped this meme off blogger named Flea from the blog Flea's World. She states that she stole it at Warty Mammal. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!
Join us here

Cheers to all of us thieves!

Sunday Stealing: The Negativity Meme

Foods which disgust the crap out of me:

The only one that I can think of are Breaded Tomatoes...why would anyone want to put something that looks like that into their mouth is beyond me.

TV show I loathe:
Oprah Winfrey......that woman is so stuck on herself and how good she is that I cannot stand to watch her. And I USED to be a fan.

Movie I loathe:
I don't watch movies so there are not any that I loathe. One of the things about movies that I DO loathe however are movies that are filled with the word fu**. Not necessary!

Music genres I loathe:
Rap music

Magazine which annoys me:
'O'

Makes me cranky at restaurant:
Kids that are crying or running around the restaurant....and parents who let them

Makes me cranky in public:
Kids who are not minding and parents who aren't making them (I think there is a theme here)

Makes me cranky in general:
Kids! And believe me, I love the ones that I have. But they can make me cranky

Pisses me off at home:
Fights over video games. The counter piled with dirty dishes (and I have spent the evening at work) the toilet seat left up

Pisses me off at work:
People who call in on a regular basis and nothing is done about it. Staff that don't care for the elders. Why work in a nursing home if you don't like cranky old people????

Pisses me off in general:
The attitude of the young people of today

Makes me impatient at home:
People not doing what I ask, as soon as I ask.

Makes me impatient at work:
Same as above

Makes me impatient in public:
People talking on their cell phones

Celebrity I hate:
Oprah

Music artist I hate:
Don't think there are any that I hate

I could care less about:
Tiger Woods sex life....he is famous because he is a golfer....his sex life has nothing to do with that!

Annoys the crap out of me weekdays:
Having to go to work...can't wait to retire!

Annoys the crap out of me weekends:
Having to work every other weekend

Blogger's habit that annoys you:
Anonymous comments

Feature on your blog you hate:
My lack of ideas on what to blog about...

Movie star you despise:

Can't think of one

Politician that you hate:

I don't know that I hate him but I am over Obama and all the promises he made and his lack of being able to admit that he isn't going to be able to make all those changes (an No, I am not a Republican....but a Democrat who did not vote for him)

A Tribute to one of my favorite authors

2010-01-21T18:22:00.001-06:00

Today I found out that one of my favorite authors died of a heart attack, while sitting at his desk writing. I have not been reading Robert B. Parkers books for very long, but I have found that I really enjoy his style of writing. He was the author of the Jesse Stone novels. These inspired some made for TV movies that starred Tom Selleck. While reading a Jesse Stone novel,I could actually see and hear Tom Selleck in my mind. I am going to miss reading about Jesse Stone. Robert B. Parker wrote many novels and 37 of those novels were about a guy called Spenser. I cannot wait to start reading those. RIP Robert.

Sunday Stealing

2010-01-16T22:55:00.003-06:00

The Trivia About Me Meme

Want to play along.....join in here

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger and blog named Astrid Paramita. She states that she stole it at BubbleBoo. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The Trivia About Me Meme

Opening…

Do you get regular massages?
Nope, I do not like massages.....I have a pretty large personal space!

Do you have an answering machine?
Yes I do

What cuss word do you use the most?
Unfortunatley.......God damn it....and f*** if I am really wanting to make a point

Are you underweight or overweight?
Undertall is what I really like to say. Even though I am 5'10"

Can you see your veins?
nope......and no one can ever stick them for a blood draw or an IV either

Favorite…

Soap?
Like in opera? I like All My Children......bar soap? Never use it.

Fruit?
I lust after fresh pinneapple

Kind of red meat?
Any kind of red meat will do as long as it is cooked and not bloody. I am an All-American girl

Fish?
I love all fish

Candy bar?
Snickers

Have You Ever…

Eaten a whole bag of potato chips?
Oh many more times than I care to admit. Especially with a carton of sour cream

Eaten lobster?
Love it!

Climbed a mountain?
A few.....

Been skydiving?
Never!!!! And have no desire

Been water skiing?
Once and almost drowned...not my thing. I'd rather float down the Lazy River

Do You…

Wish you could change something about your life?
Sure. Several things. I'd start with retiring tomorrow. And then I would finish all these damn home impovement projects I have.

Like your nose?
Well it IS my nose. And I wouldn't have plastic surgery. But I really don't like it

Like salt and vinegar chips?
not particularly

Eat salsa?
Love it. And I made my own and froze it this past summer. Got it a tad too spicey but hasn't stopped us from eating it

Own a boat?
Nope

What Is…

A small thing that people let slide but that actually has dire consequences?
Well I am a nurse so I can think of many...blood in the stool, lumps where they don't belong, yellow skin, blue skin, chest pain....need I go on?

Your most macho trait?
I don't think I have any macho traits. Wait, I am pretty good at keeping up with the boys when I am drinking beer

The longest relationship you’ve ever had?
These past 30 with my dear husband

Your most embarrassing thoughts?
Oh my.....don't think this is the place to put those.

Your most shameful moment?
I can remember once as a nursing student when I mispronounced Dr Didlo's name.....

This/That…

Bath/Shower?
Shower

Markers/Crayons?
Markers

Pens/Pencils?
Pens

Jelly/Cream Cheese?
Cream Cheese

Bagel/Toast?
Bagel

Finish…

My greatest weakness is…
I am so impatient

I wish I was…
RETIRED

Three things I wouldn’t do for a million dollars are…
Skydive
Bungee jump
Eat mice or rats
(well maybe for a million dollars, I would do all three)

The oddest thing I’ve ever put in my mouth is…
Crocodile

Firsts…

Credit card you had?
Visa

Loan you got was for?
House

Paycheck was for how much?
gads.....that was too long ago to remember

Time you had stitches?
after the birth of my first son......and he wasn't a C-section!!!

Time you went to the hospital for something?
Car wreck when my oldest brother was driving and flipped the car

Lasts…

List everything you ate in the last 24 hours?
Cheese sandwich
Spam sandwich
Cheeseburger and Fries from Wendy's
Chocolate Frosty from Wendy's
(Man my diet sucks.....S.U.C.K.S)

Last thing you used a credit card for?
That would be for the trip we took to Mexico in 2006
I don't use credit cards anymore

What was your job previous to the one you have now?
I worked in an Insurance office

Last thing you celebrated?
my husband's birthday last week

Last time you were at a sports bar?
Oh wow....that was a lot of years ago...

Was it this cold when I was young

2010-01-07T23:44:00.001-06:00

We are having a cold spell right now in Kansas. As I sit here in my home office right now it is 6F outside my window.

And the wind is blowing…..so I don’t know how to figure wind chill but I know that makes it damn cold outside.

On the TV this evening they have been talking about how many school closings there have been.

Because of cold weather?

What the heck is that all about?

I don’t ever remember school closing because it was too cold!

Heck, nowadays all the kids ride to school. Either in their parents cars, their own cars or on the school bus. Why do they need to close the schools because it is so cold? They have better furnaces now than they did when I went to school back in the 1950’s……

hey, that makes me sound old, doesn’t it?

I was researching here, on-line, and found that in January 1959 in Pratt, Kansas, where I grew up, the low temp was –15F………………

I am pretty certain I did not get to stay home from school.

And I am even more certain that no one drove me to school.

We walked….or perhaps that day we ran!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-07T16:27:00.002-06:00

Sex Education

2010-01-05T00:45:00.002-06:00

During this past trimester, my grandson has been having his sex education classes at school. In the 5th grade they get some basics. Then in the sixth grade they go into more detail. This is all new too me……when my sons were in the 5th and 6th grades, they barely touched on sex education. I taught them what I wanted them to know at home. But I signed the sheet of paper allowing my grandson to attend these classes. Because I really do feel they need the classes.

And now I am feeling the full effects of that decision. It seems that my " almost 12 " year old grandson thinks about sex….a lot. And he doesn’t mind sharing it with us. Or his cousins. Or his sister. Or anyone else that happens to be around. Because he is just so laid back and natural about it. That is the way it should be. Don’t you think? But I am an old-fashioned granny and this is a new experience for me.

Now don’t get me wrong. I am not a prude. I am an RN after all. I know all about the birds and the bees and how the body works. Just now from the eyes of an "almost 12" year old.

One night during Christmas vacation, he surprised me when he said “I don’t think I want to go through puberty.” “Why not?” I asked, not really fully into this conversation. “Because I don’t want to have any of those wet dreams.” he calmly answered. After granny picked her jaw up off the floor the only thing I could manage to say was “OH!”

Then on another night during this time out of school, I went into his room to tuck him in and he was acting a little funny. Like maybe he had hidden something under his covers and didn’t want granny to see. So I says to him “what are you hiding here?” and flipped back the covers. Silly granny…..just not stopping to think. His answer was……..are you ready for this? “Nothing granny! Did you think I was masturbating?” OH my God! Am I going to survive an "almost 12"year old boy?

My new award

2010-01-04T12:55:00.004-06:00

I received this nice award from NurseExec at Driven to Distraction. If you haven't read her blog, head over there right now. She is so totally honest and direct.....my favorite kind of person.

This award did come to me with some responsibility.

1. First, I must Thank the person who gave this award to me. So a great big thank you to NurseExec.

2.Copy the award and place it on my blog. There you see it. I will also add it to my awards in my sidebar.

3.Link to the bestowers site.

4.List seven interesting things about myself: And here they are

1. I am a RN who worked for 25 years in the hospital before I found the courage to leave and go to work in long-term care. I love what I do now!

2. I am a grandma to 8 of the most beautiful, brightest children on this earth.

3. Two of those very special kiddos make their home with me and it is a challenge and a delight.

4. I smoked for more than 30 years and I quit 10 years ago. And I still miss it everyday! I loved smoking. And I didn't achieve any of those wonderful benefits that were promised. I gained 50 pounds and still lug that around. But what keeps me from never smoking again.....I never knew how horrible I smelled! Just being around smokers now and smelling that stale cigarette smell will keep me from ever lighting up again.

5. I am a reality show freak. I love Survivor, Big Brother, and some of the more horrible ones on VH1 like Flavor Flave (I know, I know) and Rock of Love.

6. I have two sons....and they are on different sides of the law. What is a mother to do?

7. I love to write and share my thoughts but I haven't managed to get it all put together yet. Stay tuned! Maybe 2010 will be my year.

Now I think I am supposed to share this award with 7 of my favorite bloggers. But I just can't pick right now...help yourself to the award and tell us some interesting things about yourself. And feel free to link back to me.

Looking Back at 2009

2009-12-29T00:02:00.003-06:00

My life changed in 2009. The world changed in 2009.

A little look back at how things in the world and things at my house changed this past year.

January

January started at our house with us still making room for the two kids who showed up on our doorsteps in December 2008. It now looked like they would be staying for awhile ,so we needed to decide what to do with them. Harley is bunking in with Granny and Darian took over the office. We celebrated the start of a new year. On January 9th, Papa turned 76 years young. January 11, sitting in the parking lot at work ,I got the bad news that the oldest son was arrested and in jail for manufacturing meth. A sad day for all of us. The big news in the USA on January 15 was about the heroic pilot, Sulley Sullenburger, who landed a plane on the Hudson river and all 155 passengers survived. I am still smiling. We inaugurated our 44th ,first black president, Barack Obama, on January 20th. Time for a change, he says (and I am still waiting to see how things are going to change). Unfortunately, January also brought us the Octomom story…..and it lasted for months until I was nauseous. The grand kids mom left rehab and returned home late in January (but the kids stayed with us) January 31, we celebrated Darian’s 11th birthday with cake, ice cream and presents.

February

February had now arrived. On February 4th Harley turned nine. Again we had cake and the fixings and presents for her. This was the month that also found Darian suspended from school for “inappropriate pictures”he found (and shared) from the Internet. (see above picture of hot dogs) Big lesson learned! Valentines Day was celebrated in the usual way. And winter continues. Although we had several days in the upper 60’s.

March

March came and brought with it Spring Break. Harley spent the week in the country at a friends farm and enjoyed every moment she was there (except for the little episode that included 3 girls with head lice!). March is also when Barack Obama nominated our own Kathleen Sibelius as the Secretary of Health….go Kansas. The weather so far has been crazy .. it brought the first tornadoes of the year here in Reno county.

Then on March 27th we had the big snow of the year. Too much snow to leave the house and travel up the road to work.

April

April came in with Granny turning 58 on April 8th with a quiet celebration. Lots of snow still on the ground and Easter around the corner. This year Paige stayed overnight with Harley and the two of them set up a trap to snare the Easter bunny. Unfortunately, they both fell asleep before he arrived They later told granny they had found her Easter stash and they knew who the ‘real’ Easter bunny was April also was the beginning of 19 back surgeries for brother Fred. Could not get the spinal fluid to quit leaking.

May

May was mostly uneventful. School ended and we jumped into the car for a long weekend in Lawrence with cousins. We learned to play the Wii and took in the Kansas City Zoo.

June

When June arrived it brought much sadness as it was a month of loss in the celebrity world. Farah Fawcett lost her long battle with cancer and the unexpected death of pop star Michael Jackson. Harley can not stand for us to mention his name….”he gives me the creeps” See how little kids can tell!! And sadly, but finally, the voice of Billy Mayes has been silenced. I also had my first grandchild graduate from high school this year. Way to go Katie.The last of June found oldest son being sentenced to one year in county with an underlying sentence of 13 years.

The kids went to several camps this past summer. They learned how to jump, how to play basketball and football and caught some big fish. The memories will follow them throughout their lives.

July

On July 4th we had the family all gather at our house for a big backyard picnic. Good to see everyone. And at the moment all were pretty healthy. The swimming pool was up and the weather was hot. The grass grew and was mowed and grew again. The tomatoes began to ripen on the vine. All the flowers grew into massive beauties. Ah, how I love the summer months.

August

August began with a call for jury duty for me. I reported, told my story, and they sent me home. End of story. On August 6, Papa and I celebrated 30 years together and 13 years of marriage. August was when we also said goodbye to Ted Kennedy. RIP Teddy!

Ah August 24….school starts again. I loved that day when I was a young mom sending my sons off to school. And it is even sweeter now sending off the grandkids. Thank God for school.

September

September arrived with many activities both in church and in school. Never knew how busy two kiddos could keep an old man and an old woman. The economy doesn’t seem better at our house, but the president says it is. Nothing like a few trips to the Kansas State Fair to make our days seem brighter. But $43.00 for corn dogs and cokes. Ridiculous.

And football season came. Darian was playing for the first time. He was on the defense/offense line. And did well. Go Celtics.

Patrick Swayze lost his battle in September and went on to the big studio in the sky.

October

Now fall is in full bloom and October has arrived. I love the beautiful colors but not the cooler tempeture. But alas I live in Kansas so that is life. We took in a day at the Renaissance Festival in Kansas City and it was so cold that we froze off our little buns. But still enjoyed the day. And then I managed to get lost right off the interstate. Thank the lord and Alltel my cousin was able to locate me and lead me home. October 15 I stayed glued to the TV one afternoon as a little boy floated away in a hot air balloon only to later learn it was all a hoax. Balloon Boy I will remember you. Sister-in-law, Pam made a trip to the city and survived another big surgery and for that we are thankful.

November

November has arrived and Thanksgiving at my house. Was expecting a big crowd and some came and some were called away with sadness. Brother Fred is in St. Louis awaiting a heart aneurysm repair. He came though with good results and was home again soon. Unfortunately this month also brought us the fall of the super sports star, Tiger Woods….who the hell cares. He is famous for the incredible way he plays golf. Not for how many women he slept with. The media cannot let go.

December

Now December arrived and Christmas came and went. We have our own Wii now along with lots of other things and the garbage can is full of boxes and wrapping paper. We packed on some pounds and filled drawers and closets with new toys and clothes and once again heard….”this was the best Christmas ever!” The Medicare and Medicaid cuts have hit the nursing home business and we are all told to tighten our belts and figure out ways to save money. They are watching our time sheets like hawks and there will not be a cost of living increase this year. So the year ends as it begins.

Oh, yeah, and we went to court on December 21 and was granted legal guardianship to these two beautiful grandkids.

Other things that will make me remember 2009 are Jon and Kate….how the heck did they get so much attention. My God 8 kids and they still had time to fight, bicker, and divorce. Another ‘who cares’ here! And Susan Boyle….what a homely woman with a beautiful voice. It is good to see an average person win for a change. But the Nobel Peace prize to Barrack Obama?????? For what???? I still haven’t figured that one out.

Happy New Year to all and may 2010 be the best yet

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T23:42:00.003-06:00

You may buy this candle set @ Dayspring

Here is hoping that you all have a Merry Christmas

Saturday Nine

2009-12-19T16:37:00.004-06:00

Saturday 9: White Christmas

1. If you live where you get winter weather, do you prefer your Christmas to be white? If you never see snow, do you wish for it?

I DO live where there is winter weather. And if I got to chose, I would chose
NEVER to see snow!

2. How many holiday cards did you receive from people you hadn't sent cards to, after the "mailing deadline?" Did you send a card anyway?

All the cards that I received this year came from those I hadn't sent cards to.
I didn't send out a single Christmas card. So.......
Merry Christmas

3. When the clock strikes Midnight on New Year's, will you be at home, at a party, or somewhere else?

I plan to be at my cousin's house....

4. Have you ever taken the keys and driven home a friend that you felt was too drunk to drive? If not, do you think you would attempt to if that situation ever arose?

Hmmm...nope don't think I have ever done that. But I would surely attempt it if the situation ever arises

5. Tell us about a gift that you either bought or made for someone else that you wanted for yourself!

Most of the gifts that I buy I want for myself. That is how I shop

6. What chores do you have left for the holidays?

I have some shopping yet to do. I have ALL the gifts to wrap. And I have a dinner to cook.

7. If you could buy one gift for yourself where money was not an obstacle, what would it be?

I would send myself and my family all to the Caribbean for Christmas

8. What is one of your family’s favorite holiday traditions?

We get into the car, with a thermos of hot chocolate, and go see Christmas lights.

9. If you could give a fellow blogger a holiday gift, which would it be and what would you give them?

I would give them the gift of blogging ideas...seems like that is something I am always running out of.

Getting ready

2009-12-16T13:08:00.002-06:00

It is nice to have help when getting ready for the holidays.

Thanks guys!

On this first day of December

2009-12-01T20:37:00.000-06:00

A Magical Christmas
by Sharlett F. Hunt 11/30/09
+++
There's magic in this moment
Fresh smells are in the air
The sights and sounds surround me
It's Christmas everywhere!

It suddenly seems to happen
Like reindeer on the roof
With joy and hope abounding
And no scientific proof

The North wind blows around me
And ice is here and there
But sun is shining inside
This heart so filled with care

When people join together
And keep their spirits bright
With songs of love and giving
This magical Christmas Night
+++

Day 28 of 30 Days of Thanksgiving

2009-11-28T22:05:00.002-06:00

I am thankful for the quietness of the house today

Day 25 of 30 Days of Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T22:32:00.004-06:00

This picture was taken of our family
last year at Thanksgiving.
I am thankful for my family.
It has been a stressful time for all of us.
Word came yesterday about the father-in-law of my two nieces being
on a ventilator at our local hospital and will not live/
We are all very sad for his family.

My brother is well and coming home Saturday.
We are thankful for his recovery.
We are thankful for Pam's successful surgery last month.
We are thankful we can all be together tomorrow.
God Bless this family

Paula's Place

Happy Birthday Mom

Simple Woman's Daybook Entry

Saturday Nine

53 years is a very long time

Sunday Stealing

A Daybook Entry

Merry Christmas to All

I am searching for my Norman Rockwell Christmas

What if I won the lottery?

Sunday Stealing

What do I miss the most?

A-Z Meme

Good Advice

Sunday Stealing

Down in the Dumps

My Simple Woman's Daybook

Thanksgiving

We dodged another Bullet-Part Two

We dodged another Bullet-Part One

A Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Sunday Stealing

11*11*11

Won't someone tell me...................

And a tumble he took

Sunday Stealing

Earthquakes in Kansas?

Darian

November

My Daybook

Sadness and Depression

Halloween 2011

This is the Way it Now is!

Rehabilitation

And the hard work begins

My life has forever changed

May we never forget......

Mother's Day is coming.....

Countdown

Words from The Simple Woman's Daybook

I am a simple woman and here is my Daybook

Tidbits From the beginning of March

Tidbits from my Daybook

Girls In their Glasses

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Valentine Love Juice

Truer Words were never spoken

Former Inman Police Chief Found Guilty

What I am Reading

Enough

Guess What I Did Today?

Tragedy in Arizona

Unique Traditions

Holidailies Day Number one for me.....

It will come.....the empty Nest

Halloween at our House

The End of the Season

Making Toobstones

Happy birthday Angel Baby

It has been a long summer.........

I hate to admit it but...

Happy Labor Day

Our Newest Edition

It is NOT to be Believed

The things kids say

Getting on the Bus

I'm trying.....I'm trying

The Best Place Ever to Buy School clothes

What I am learning about ADHD

Waiting for Life to settle down

The Thing About Grandchildren

Happy 4th of July

A Favorite of Mine

Oh how Well I Remember those days

Memorial Day 2010

Enjoy the Ride

Be sure to honor those who Protect and Serve us

Come on Bret Michaels

I am getting this chance......

111111