Feb. 3, Friday Random Thoughts

**I want to go back to this hairstyle

**I decided to stop coloring my hair

**I have lots of grey, but it's OK

**I love jelly beans

**I want to hold a newborn baby

**I love to make people happy

**Olive Garden upset me last night

**I love having dinner out with Mike

**I'm thankful for a great Boss

**I am happy when it snows

**I love our new dogs, Lilly & Halle

**I quit going on diets, cause they don't work for me

**I have been on a green olive craving spree lately

**I will see my sister in 2 weeks

**I miss my grand kids

**I love finding coins on the ground (money from heaven)

**My dads 1 year anniversary in heaven is coming up

**Time is going way too fast to keep up

**I love having coffee and breakfast with my mom every morning

**Did I say I love jelly beans? Cause I'm chewing on them now

**I must have the t.v. on to fall asleep in bed

**I need a personal chef

**I want to rock babies in the hospital nursery

**I can't wait til Celebrity Apprentice is on, Feb. 12.

**I like Michelle Duggar

**I want to see Bon Jovi in concert

**I found the best fitting jeans ever at Lane Bryant, I live in them

**I'm proud of my daughter's talent to knit

**I love wearing sweatshirts on weekends

**I don't watch the Superbowl, just halftime and commercials

**I can't wait for some sister time in 2 weeks

**I would love to retire some day to the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee

**I love to go to Lake George and feed the ducks

**I love Sunday morning breakfast with Mike and Mom

**I would like to have more family gatherings with my kids and grand kids

I could go on and on with my thoughts....thanks for tuning in.....

A favorite Christmas gift

I don't usually mention things I want for Christmas. I happened to say that I really really wanted some soup mugs. I like eating cereal or soup out of a mug rather than a bowl. My darling daughter, Steph gave me this special mug for Christmas. It is from the "Friends" Central Perk. I LOVE it. It's gotten a lot of use already and I handle it with loving care. I don't like to let it sit in the sink dirty. I usually wash it right away and put it in it's safe spot until next use. It's the little things in life that bring me joy.

What's on my mind?

A favorite Christmas gift from Steph & Jeff were tickets to see our favorite group, Celtic Woman. Believe is a new concert which we have seen on t.v. but not live. We have been to 3 of their concerts and were amazed each time at their angelic voices. The neat part is, the concert is on Mike's birthday, March 31 in Chicago. The way Steph had us open them was so clever. She wrapped my ticket inside a Coach wrist let(which I love) and Mike's was in a book on a certain page. She had us open at the same time. She puts a lot of thought into her gifts and we were so happy to receive.

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I still have my Christmas tree up. It's in a corner, not in the way. I usually take it down before Steph's Birthday, Jan. 8, but this year I enjoyed looking at it longer. I guess it's time to take it down, maybe by the weekend.

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Since my dad passed away, almost 11 months now, our routine on weekends are usually spent with my mom and taking her out for breakfast or dinner. It's been nice hanging out with my hubby and her. I appreciate my hubby so much in helping me and her with her household duties that needs a mans touch. Years ago my weekends were consumed with church activities (without my husband) and now it's consumed in a new way. I'm loving spending time with Mike and doing things with him and helping my mom at the same time.

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I'm trying to cook new things, especially what my husband likes. I have been eating less chicken and trying to like fish. Mike will not eat chicken. He loves fish, so I am starting to like tilapia. As long as it's a white fish, I can eat it. We are trying to eat healthier and not having so much junk food in the house. I'm proud of Mike for choosing grapes as one of his snack foods. I was really proud of myself lately, for making a copy cat version of an Apple bee's recipe. Mike had ordered Cajun seasoned Tilapia over rice and corn & black bean salsa. It was on the Weight Watcher's menu. I googled it and found the recipe and made it. It did call for quite a few ingredients but once you make the seasoning, you have it for next time. It makes a lot. He said it tasted just like Apple bee's....Mission accomplished! I served it with steamed broccoli and we had a healthy, delicious meal.

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I would like to spend more time with my grand kids this year. I would like to take my grand-daughter's, Abby & Ivy to get their nails done. I would like to take the grand-son's somewhere fun for boys. The cousins don't get to spend much time together and I would love to change that. I have such great memories as a child spending time with my cousins and I have remained close to many of them.

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I am loving that we rescued 2 of the most loving, playful doxie dogs, Lilly & Halle. They have changed the mood in the house so much. Our 16 year old doxie, Hanker Boy, tolerates them pretty well. We don't look for him to last much longer. But he's a tough dog. For once, Mike has not only 1 lap dog, but 2. It was meant for them to come and live with us. They remind us of the possums in the movie Ice Age. We got them each a long stuffed toy for Christmas and now our living room floor is covered with white stuffing from the toys. They are so happy to see us when we come home from work. Halle jumps up about 3 feet and Lilly runs to get her toy. They are our little girls.

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I started playing Words with Friends on Face book a while back and have 20 games going on now. It's hard to keep them going without getting behind. I find myself waking up at night going to the computer to play a word. I do enjoy it and it keeps your mind active.

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So, this is what's on my mind today along with a zillion other things. Sorry if I bored you. I really am trying to Blog more often. And read other blogs. I want to get my old self back again, before my dad's death. It's been a hard year for me. I'm just glad I have my friends and family to lift me up. It will get better. So, what's on your mind?

Happy 35th Birthday Steph!

Today is a very special day. It's Stephanie Ruth (Wilson) Precourt day. 35 years ago today a beautiful baby girl with thick black hair was born. My world would never be the same. Where have the years gone?
Growing up, Steph would choose her Birthday cake right after Christmas. Our tradition was "Baskin Robbins" Birthday cake. She had all the favorite characters through-out her childhood. Her favorite flavor was peanut butter & chocolate. We did do some chocolate chip also.

We celebrated her 35th as a family on the 6th. We had a delicious steak dinner at one of our favorite places in town. Kelsey's Steakhouse. We sat in a very comfy, private area and if the kids wanted to get loud, it didn't bother anyone. I looked around at the L shaped table and was trying to soak up my family...MY family. My 2 children, their spouses AND my 6 beautiful, healthy grand kids. And of course my hubby too. I could have sat their without having a bite to eat, just enjoying the moment of everyone getting together to celebrate their mom, wife, sister, Aunt, daughter's birthday. I have a permanent photo in my mind.

Abby & Gray wanted to sit by me, so I sat between them. I noticed that the closer Abby got to me, Ivy wanted a piece of me too. She wandered over and sat on one leg while we were waiting for our meal. Then Abby sat on the other leg. What a feeling, to have both of my precious grand-daughters on my lap. They giggled and had their own conversation. Ivy said to Abby "do you want to wear our white dresses when we go back to Mimi's house"? I have 2 white flower girl dresses that they love to play dress up in. They never fight over which one they want to wear. It's the cutest thing. After dinner, we all gathered back to my house for dessert. Steph has switched from Baskin Robbins to Designer Dessert cupcakes.

It's the happening place for Birthday Celebrations or any day of the week if you have a sweet tooth. I got a variety of flavors, since it is so hard to choose. We always cut them in half and everyone gets to try their favorite. The adults favorite was the Red Velvet Cake with cream cheese icing. I think it's my new favorite one now. I use to really like the coconut cream.

We sang Happy Birthday and enjoyed the rest of the evening. The cousins played and had a great time running around after the sugar high.

It was a great evening celebrating a special Birthday. She is a busy Birthday girl, getting to celebrate 3 days in a row with friends and other family. I see great things ahead for Steph. She deserves it! Happy Birthday Sweet Daughter. I love you, Mom

Gettin' ready for Christmas

Our first week of December started out with a concert featuring our Grandson, Noah's school choir. I still can't believe he is in 5th grade. He chose to be in the special choir that meets before school starts. You could see on his face when he sang that he loves every minute of it. He puts his whole heart and soul into his performance. His face shone like an angel. You could also see that he enjoyed sitting between 2 pretty girls. It was so special for Noah to have both sets of grandparents at the concert. With myself and Mike are his other grandma and grandpa, who are a very special couple. I feel so blessed to share our grandparent ship with them.

And, so on to the next activity....while watching Abby & Jack, we decorated the traditional gingerbread house. They asked me if it was ok to sit on the table because in their house it was against the rules. I told them I have a rule in my house that when you decorate a gingerbread house, you have to sit on the table. Jack was more interested in eating the gingerbread and playing with the little candies in the bowls. Since they already have a gingerbread house at their house, I put this one on my piano. It turned out great.
On to our next activity, which was last Saturday. We boarded the "Santa Train" in North Judson, IN., which is only about an hours drive from our house. Nate, Elsa, Abby, Jack, Grampa & Mimi were delighted by the little train station and gift shop while we awaited to get on board for our 45 min. round trip ride. We picked Santa up on the route and he made his way starting in the back of the train, to each child. He sat in each seat and asked each child what they wanted Santa to bring them. We were one of the last ones to talk to him since we were at the very front of the train. Jack told him he wanted "Thomas". Jack loves trains. We got him the Thomas take along train set for Christmas, so he will get "Thomas". When it was Abbys turn she told him she wanted Barbie dolls. He gave each child a little treat bag filled with goodies.
This picture of Jack and Grampa is one of my favorites. I told Jack to put his arm around Grampa and he put the opposite arm around him and faced the wall of the train, with his back to me. We got a laugh out of that.

We walked around the little town by the train station and ate lunch at a little Bakery/Cafe. Jack loved making faces while waiting on his lunch. He keeps us entertained.
The night before we went on the Santa Train, Steph and I went to Chicago to see the Nutcracker. I wish I had a picture to share of this exciting night. We ate at our favorite restaurants, Grand Lux Cafe. It was a perfect evening.

So, as you can see, my December has been filled with lots of fun activities and it has only begun. I wish things would slow down so I could catch up. I want to savor every second of making new memories with my family. I'm really looking forward to Christmas this year. We are all going as a family to a candlelight service on Christmas Eve. This will be a very special time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Whatever activities you are doing this month, enjoy them and capture the memories. This will be the first Christmas without my dad but I know he would want us to carry on and celebrate as if he were here. And that's just what we will do.

Welcome Home Lilly & Halle

Who would have thought that 3 weeks after losing our precious Penny girl, we would be doubly blessed with these beautiful mini sister Dachshunds, Miss Lilly and Miss Halle. I knew it wouldn't be long before Mike searched out another lap dog. He would go on-line every night to rescue sites to seek out that perfect four legged friend who deserved a loving home. He found these 2 on a rescue site in Woodstock, IL. They came to live with a lady, who works for an animal hospital because the owner of the dogs lost her home and couldn't take the dogs with her. She left them in her basement and other people were taking care of them, until they ended up with the lady we got them from. She made sure they were up to date with all shots and even had their teeth cleaned. I broke down and called about them and emailed the lady and eventually we set a time to meet them and would go from there. Needless to say, on Saturday morning, Dec. 3, we made the 95 mile trip to Crystal Lake, IL where the dogs were. At first meeting, Lilly was barking at us and was stand offish. Halle was more brave and sniffed us out. After about 15 minutes of feeding treats and talking baby talk, Lilly was warming up to us and Halle was my best friend. I look over and Halle jumped up in Mikes lap, which made him melt. Then Lilly jumped up in his lap. It only took about 30 minutes and we were in the truck ready to make our journey back home. We knew as soon as we saw them that they had a forever home with us. On our way home, Mike stopped at McD's to get them a biscuit with egg. They were thrilled and gobbled it down.
God works in mysterious ways....
We couldn't believe that Lilly is a dapple daschund. We had a dapple daschund named Lily before we had Penny. After Lily passed away we got Penny. It is very rare to find a dapple daschund that someone is getting rid of.
The lady loaded us up with their belongings and in 1 large bag was a wardrobe with 2 each of everything. From hooded coats to Christmas dresses. When Abby & Jack came over for us to babysit, Abby had the best time playing dress-up with the doggies.

Abby & Jack immediately fell in love with their friends.
Look at Miss Thang in her Christmas dress! I will be taking them to have their pictures taken soon! Stay tuned for more styles.

We do feel so blessed to have found these little angels who needed love and lots of petting. It's a Merry Christmas for everyone!

A Sunday to Remember

I had a dream fulfilled today. I met, sat and had the best brunch/conversation with Sharon & Barry Couto from Rhode Island, along with a bestie bloggy buddy, Nancy & Dick Collins. When Nancy emailed me to invite my hubby and I to have brunch with them, I was delighted and shocked. Sharon & Barry were passing through on their way home from a little trip to Chicago and South Bend. They arranged to meet up with us for Brunch. Unfortunately my hubby couldn't join us due to catching a bad cold. I tried to get Steph to be my date, but she was busy with meeting a deadline for work and felt so bad that she had to decline.
It was the most delightful 3 hours of conversation and great food. I was the only odd ball and started with the meal first and skipped the salad. I could have stayed all night listening to Sharon and Barry stories. Sharon has inspired me from day one in reading her blog. I feel like I have known her forever. Her daughters are as lovely as she is. Growing up I always wanted to read books, but I had a comprehensive problem. I found in reading Sharons writings, I am captured in a way that I have never been captured before. She has my attention. So, that's why I started calling her my Favorite Author. She motivated me in a way that I can't explain. Same way with Nancy. I was captured by Nancy's life as a mom and grandma. I can relate to these beautiful women and I am so proud to call them my friends. This week of giving thanks, I am Thankful for people who God puts in your path. Thank you, Barry, Sharon, Dick and Nancy for a Sunday to remember.....

Happy 77th Birthday mom!

This picture was actually taken on my moms 76th Birthday last year, but I thought she turned 77. I made her the cake and put the 2 # 7's on the cake and nothing was said. My mom even thought she was 77. My daughter, Steph pointed out to me that if she was born in 1934, she will be 77 this year. Duh! So it was like getting a bonus year.
My mom is very special to me. I've watched her go thru many health issues and she deals with pain 24/7 in her back and legs. She also deals with a major hearing loss. My mom is a strong lady. She was a very hard worker and helped support our family while I grew up along with my sister and brother. She was the best cook around and we never wanted for anything. She always put herself above others. My wish for her today is to be free of pain and enjoy the ones around her who dearly love her. We will take her out for dinner at a local Mexican Restaurant to Celebrate and have yummy Designer Desserts Cupcakes, thanks to Steph. I'm just thankful my mom is around for another Birthday and I know my dad is with her today. Happy 77th Birthday mom!

Family Reunion in September

Sunday, September 25th we gathered for my husband's side of the family Reunion. His sister, Susie in pink and her husband Jerry made the long trip from Colorado. Susie is the oldest of 3. My husband is the baby of the family. I love this picture of Steph with her Aunt Susie. They have so much in common, it's unbelievable. The day before the reunion, we enjoyed hanging out and going to the European Market in Chesterton and then driving over to Valpo to walk downtown, in all the interesting shops and having lunch at a quaint spot. The one place that Susie and Steph shared a love for was the knitting shop. Susie is very talented at making jewelry and loves any stores that have beads or unusual jewelry.

Susie and Jerry are enjoying the lunch at the family reunion. We were able to rent a great little building at a local park that had a playground next to the building and a beautiful fishing pond across the road. Everyone commented at how perfect the spot was and private.
Four of my six grand kids enjoying the unique playground.
This was the fishing pier. We brought lots of fishing poles. Thank God the weather was beautiful and the rain held off. Gray had a blast fishing beside his grampa. I think all he caught was some seaweed, but he still had fun.

Noah had a good time too, as you can see by the smile on his face.

My nephew, Ben was our grill master. He grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, chicken, pork chops and veggie burgers. It was all delicious.
So, we caught my son-in-law, Jeff and Cousin, Bob listening to the Bears Game.....while everyone was fishing or playing. It's ok though, we wanted everyone to be happy.
I love this picture of Uncle Jerry & Aunt Susie with the boys. Jerry loves to teach the boys golf techniques. They went golfing the day the girls and Mike hung out. Gray actually cries to go and play golf with his dad.
My husbands siblings. His brother, Bruce on left with his wife Kathy, Jerry, Susie, Mike and me. This reunion was such a success. We are so happy we were able to get as many family members together as we did. Bruce and Kathy were happy to have their 3 boys and their families and Mike and I were happy to have our 2 kids with their families. It was so nice to see everyone laugh and get re-acquainted. Susie and Jerry don't come often, but I look forward to another fun Reunion in a few years when they come back home. Gram would be so proud!

Winning at Life

I feel like such a slacker. I have neglected my blog and that does not make me happy. I know you don't want to hear how it's been hard to know what to write lately. I don't pick up my camera like I use to and that makes me sad. I want to capture all the special moments of being a Mimi again. It's coming up on 9 months that my dad passed away. I spend most weekends helping my mom out and stop every morning before work and make our breakfast and sometimes go after work to take her dinner. I feel the need to check on her often. I don't know what I would do without my husband, Mike. He has been there for Mom and I and stepped up making sure things are running properly around her house. My dad would be so proud.
I love this picture of Carter at his first Bears game with his dad. I have it as my background on my computer. It puts a smile on my face.
Veterans day is coming up. I have plans to dig up a little dwarf size Norfolk pine tree from my parents backyard and plant it on my dads grave. My dad planted a row of Norfolk pine trees years ago and there is one little dwarf one that hasn't grown much. As much as he loved those trees, my sister had an idea to plant it on his grave. So, what better day to do this than Veterans Day, since my dad was a Veteran.
Family will gather and we will plant it. I want the great-grand kids to have a part in planting. I want to hang little flag ornaments on the tree after it is planted.
I will share pictures of the little tree.
If you are a follower of mine, thank you for hanging in there with me. I promise I am coming back full time pretty soon.....I have my camera ready to start snapping pictures of my favorite little people.

Happy 6th Birthday Gray!

This picture was taken last year on Grayson's 5th Birthday at Lincoln Park Zoo. What a fun day we had celebrating at one of our favorite places on earth. I could actually go to this zoo every week and never tire of it.
What can I say about my "Grayby"....He is a unique little man. He melts my heart when he Still likes to climb up on my lap and just sit. I have him a very special Birthday gift this year. I know it's something that he has been really really wanting. I can't wait to see his beautiful green eyes light up when he opens the box. We will celebrate his Birthday on Sunday with family. I have the pleasure of making him his special Birthday dessert....a chocolate torte with extra whip topping and sprinkles. Happy Birthday Gray....You are soooooo loved!!

Happy 3rd Birthday Ivy LaRue!

I can't believe my little Ivy LaRue is already "3" years old. She has such a big personality. When Ivy is around, you know it. Every day is a party in her world. I have really enjoyed the past 3 years being her Mimi. She makes you feel so special. When she comes to visit, she runs with all her might and tackles you to give you that big bear hug. Her 3 big brothers adore her, but she calls the shots.

We will celebrate as a family on Sunday with a "Hello Kitty" Birthday party. Ivy thinks it's her party every time someone has a Birthday and it's time to blow out the candles. She thinks she should be the one to blow out the candles. Funny story about my dad's 80th Birthday party we had for him this year, after he blew out his #80 candle, Ivy started to cry real hard. She wanted to blow it out. So, my dad had it lit again so Ivy could blow out his candle. She thought it was Her party. So, it's like a tradition now, at most Birthday celebrations, we re-light the candles so Ivy can blow them out again. She gets so excited and claps....cause every day is her party...
Mimi loves you, ivy larue!! xx00

Sister week

This photo was taken 4 years ago when my sister and I were on a sister vacation in Florida. She is back home this week. Our mom spent 2 months with her in Louisiana and she flew back with our mom to help her home. I remember the evening this picture was taken. Our dad had given me money to treat us to a nice meal in Florida. We ate at a wonderful place near our hotel. He was so happy for us to have this time together. While my sister is home we want to plant a tree on our dads grave. It is a little northern pine tree that he had planted in his back yard years ago that won't grow. It is a dwarf tree. He planted a whole line of trees and this one is the only one that won't grow taller. He loved these trees. His headstone was delivered last week. We went with our mom the end of June and ordered it. It turned out perfect and we know dad would be so proud. When I saw it for the first time it was overwhelming to me. It was final. Everything was complete. We had a beautiful stone to go visit and pay our respects. It has vases on each side to keep beautiful flowers in.
I've been staying at my moms while my sister is home. We talk a lot about our dad and keep his memory alive. This morning I made waffles for breakfast and for some reason the batter made one extra waffle. My sister put the extra waffle in the place where our dad would sit. It felt right. He is not with us anymore in body, but he is definitely with us in spirit. There is a void, but when we look at the sunshine we see our dad. When we see butterflies in his yard, we see our dad. He might be gone, but not forgotten....his spirit lives on....

Birthday gift

I was pleasantly surprised on my 55th Birthday when I saw the "Coach" shopping bag. I knew it had to be a "Coach" purse in that box, inside the shopping bag. My daughter knows what I like and she was determined to full fill my wish. I told her I didn't want her & Jeff spending that kind of money on me. She has 3 boys to get ready for school and she could use the money towards that. She said she had a coupon....and she wanted me to have it. So, I will accept it, without guilt. It came from the heart. I have had so much joy in carrying it, not because it's a Coach, but it is practical and I love how when you open it up, you see everything. It has handy pockets on each side and also the ends have a handy pocket as well. She knows my taste. And it matches my Coach wallet and my pink Coach umbrella. Thanks Steph, Jeff, Noah, Carter, Gray & Ivy.....

Our wedding day 8-2-74

37 years ago today, Mike and I said "I do". It was a beautiful summer wedding with lots of yellow & lime green. Daisy's and yellow roses. I loved my dress, especially the back. It is still as white as snow, packed away in my cedar chest. I look back and wonder why I got married so young. I have no regrets though. I am glad I was a young bride, young mom and now a somewhat young Mimi.
We are celebrating our Anniversary this Saturday, the 6th at Serenity Springs in Michigan City. We got to choose a Bungalow cabin overlooking the lake. Ours is called "Sunny Delight". It will be so nice to get away and relax. I would love to celebrate our 40th in Hawaii. Who knows, maybe our ship will come in and we will be able to afford to.

55 years and 6 grandkids later

I started celebrating my 55th Birthday on Thursday, July 28th. My friend brought me flowers, baked brownies & treated me to lunch. Friday, I met my cousin Bea and her family for lunch and was surprised when I saw my chair decorated with balloons. Saturday, July 30th on my Birthday, we celebrated all afternoon at Donya's house. She had a housewarming party and included my Birthday and her mom, Mary's Birthday, who was born on the same day and year as I. My neighbor brought over a dozen peach colored roses and the yummiest chocolate dessert. Then on Sunday, July 31st, we celebrated with my immediate family at Red Robin. Monday, Aug. 1 will wind it down with being taken to lunch by my boss's wife.
I received the most awesome gifts for my Birthday. I got the most awesome Coach purse from Steph, Jeff, Noah, Carter, Gray & Ivy. I was very surprised! Nate, Elsa, Abby & Jack got me custom grand kid decals to go on my van. I had been wanting these for the longest time. I bought myself a new cell phone and am able to text message now. I got lots of other goodies. I am feeling so blessed and just so happy to have so many people show me love. It's been the best Birthday. And I felt my dad with me, which made it even more special.
Ivy is missing from the picture. She slept through the party.

Random thoughts before turning "55"

In 3 days I will celebrate my 55th Birthday. Here are some random thoughts I will share.....

***For once, I am not worrying about my size.

***I layed in bed last night with a piece of frozen Edwards key lime pie watching "Flipping Out".

***This is my first Birthday without having my dad. Another milestone.

***I love the Beach.

***I am learning how to eat differently since dealing with a sensitive colon.

***I miss eating nuts.

***I miss eating salads.

***I enjoy drinking water more than ever.

***I want to go to the Fair and eat fried veggies and watch Kenny Ahern's act.

***I'm in love with my new fun Candie's sandals I got at Kohl's.

***I need a pedicure.

***I miss my mom, who is visiting my sister in Louisiana.

***I LOVE Edward's frozen key lime pie.

***Notice how I always seem to get back on food?

***I don't enjoy yard sales since losing my dad. He motivated me to go to them.

***I love listening to K-love inspirational music at my desk.

***The longer I am married, the more I appreciate my husband.

***I would love to move into a small house and have less things.

***I would love to live across the street from my sister.

***I watch the Bachelorette but really don't enjoy it. I think it is scripted.

***I still love the Duggar family.

***I could go for a DQ small cone right now.

***Since I have time left on my lunch hour, that's where I'm headed...across the street! DQ....

Happy Almost 55th to me....I am starting to celebrate early....

July Jubilee

July is a very busy month filled with lots of celebrations. Carter turned "9" on July 10th. He always requests that I make his Birthday dessert. He loves torte, because he loves cool whip. So I made him a chocolate torte with extra cool whip.

We visited Navy Pier on July 17. Steph had tickets to see Pinocchio. It was such a great time with Steph, Noah & Carter.
We ate at a delicious Italian restaurant at Navy Pier and walked around and browsed in all the shops. We had to visit the candy store and each of us got our favorite candy. Carter bought a Lego set with some of his birthday money and Noah bought a glow sword.

July 4th Celebration included a parade and picnic. All 6 grand kids were together, which doesn't happen too often. It was so nice to have everyone together and happy.
Jack was waiting for the firetrucks to pass at the parade. All the grand kids were excited to pick up candy that was thrown.
Abby & Jack were thrilled to see Elmo walk by.

The rest of July will bring a lot more celebrations. I think this is my favorite month. Maybe because it's my Birthday month. More celebrations to come!

Sister Visit

My sister flew in for 10 days to visit and help with our mom. She is taking mom back with her for a while. It's bittersweet. Since our dad passed away I have devoted a lot of time and energy to our mom. I wouldn't have it any other way. She is a precious mom. But she does need to get away and I do need the time to regroup. I have let a lot of things at my house fall by the wayside. Working a full time job and running 2 households can sometimes be a little much, but I am proud of myself for holding it all together.
Last night was such a fun, girls night out. We went to see the movie "Bridesmaids". My sister said to me as we were waiting on the movie to start that she thinks this was our first movie together in a theater. I think she was right. We never took the time to go see movies together cause there was always something else to do. We laughed so hard and it was just the right medicine I needed. Although I have had to work while she is here, I manage to get off early and we still have lots of time to spend together. I used my vacation time during my sickness.
We will order our dads headstone while she is here.
Today, we met for lunch and while sitting at the table, she saw a man who reminded her of our dad walk in. It really startled her. She kept saying she would love to see our dad, just one more time. He would have been right there with us at that table, enjoying lunch with us.
It's been hard on my sister with being the first visit back home without dad. We still wait for him to walk down the hallway and say he's putting the coffee on.
I hate to think of the day she and my mom will leave to go back to her house. I will miss them so much. Until then, I will cherish the time we have left to visit and make the most of it.

I do not like hospitals

Last Thursday felt like a date night for hubby and myself. He suggested going out for pizza. We went to a local place who really does have amazing pizzas. We couldn't resist an appetizer of cheesy potato soup before our custom made pizza arrived. I was kind of full after eating the cup of soup, so I didn't overdo it on the pizza. It was a very enjoyable night catching up on things going on.
During the night I was suddenly awakened by an awful pain and cramping in my lower stomach, which followed by a trip to the bathroom. This went on all night long. It felt close to labor pains and like a balloon was being blown up in my stomach and was about to pop. This went on thru the next day and night. I was thinking that it must have been the pizza that didn't agree with me. I have had colitis & IBS for a long time and this was the first time I have ever suffered this way. Mike wanted me to call my Dr. but I figured I would just rest and do a liquid diet and see how I felt the next day. Saturday morning I knew it was time to see what was going on since I was only going down hill and I was afraid I would dehydrate. Mike drove me to the ER. Every bed was filled, which meant a long wait. When It was my turn to go back, I was examined and given an IV and some mild pain meds. A cat scan with dye was ordered with blood work. After about an hour later, the Dr. gave me my results. I had an infectious Colitis. I was given the choice to stay the night in the hospital and being treated for the infection thru the IV, or go home with meds and be on my own. It was easy for me to choose staying there, since I was sicker than a dog and out of it. I didn't think I could take the car ride back home. It had been about 27 years since I stayed overnight in the hospital with me being the patient. I have always been the caretaker and now the table was turned.
I was taken to my room on the 4th floor of the hospital and climbed in Bed 1. I had a room mate, Robin in Bed 2. I can't say enough about how Robin was a God send to me. Her and I hit it off really quick. She was a few years older than I but I thought she was in her 30's. She was a beautiful spirit.
My daughter came up to check on me with Noah, Carter & Ivy. They brought the most uplifting cards. I knew I had to get well quick. After they left, I got a visit from my daughters in-laws. It was so nice to pass the time by visiting.
Let me tell you, if you are in the hospital to rest and relax and be left alone, that is not the place to spend a vacation. The nurses were in every hour and I can't believe the number of times Dracula came in to collect blood. I was on an all liquid diet. My breakfast the next morning consisted of yummy vegetable broth, jello, Italian ice & diet root beer. Robin and I dined together and both could not finish our breakfast. She was released after breakfast and we exchanged information to contact each other. Finally by early afternoon my colon Dr. came in to see me and I told her I wanted to go home to recover. She agreed that I could be sent home with instructions and meds and follow up in 10 days. I think if I hadn't ask to go home, she would have kept me another day. I missed my bed. I wanted to be able to go to the bathroom without the friendly IV pole you have to push around.
When I was finally released I was craving lemon rice soup. I didn't know if it was considered bland, (I was never given a list of foods that I could eat) since I was put on a bland diet. I figured it sounded like it would be bland. Mike went thru a drive thru at a local restaurant and got me a quart of the soup. After getting home, I gobbled up a cup of the soup. It didn't agree with me, so I didn't eat anymore. After that, I googled what foods I should be eating.
My daughter brought gluten free groceries over for me to try and suggest that I try going gluten free. Mike went to the store and stocked up on foods I could try. The next few days were filled with pain and living in the bathroom. To make a long story short, 4 days after leaving the hospital, I am starting to feel like myself and am finally out of pain. I owe a lot to my friends on face book and family, for praying for me. I think having a support system is so important when trying to overcome a health condition. My sister was always there for me on Skype, to encourage me. At one point I thought to myself that if my sister could overcome cancer and chemo, I can deal with what I had.
I have to admit that during this week of spending most of my time in bed and the bathroom, I was feeling hopeless and helpless. It was when I started watching inspirational shows on t.v. that really brought me out of the fog.
This whole experience had me feeling as if I were in a valley. I needed to start climbing that mountain and fight this thing. I was not going to let IT win. This morning I woke up and was almost at the top of that mountain. I had a very restful night and was able to tolerate a good breakfast. I wasn't visiting the bathroom as much and I am starting to feel like my body is healing. I am thinking ahead of the game in my meal planning, so I won't grab just anything. I have to totally change my lifestyle and way of eating. I want a healthy colon, and if it means I won't be able to eat pizza for a while, then I can deal with that. Life is too important to screw it up with eating the foods that are poison to my colon.
I have a new outlook today. I can't wait to get back to work. I can't wait to live again!