Christmas season....2014

The Christmas season seems like a blur.  I went through the motions of mildly decorating my house.  Mike didn't want me putting up a tree.  If we didn't have family around, I probably wouldn't have put one up.  Where would I put the Christmas presents without a tree?  It would not seem like Christmas without decorations.  Mike had the idea of baking Christmas cookies with Abby & Jack.  I brought them home with me from Church the Sunday before Christmas and we did bake some yummy sugar cookies.  We usually do gingerbread houses but did cookies instead.  I tried to avoid the Mall and did most of my Christmas shopping on line.  Sending a check to Steph to shop for her family took a load off.  I ordered gifts for Steph and had them mailed to Noah, to wrap for me. 
Christmas Eve was celebrated with Nate, Elsa, Abby and Jack...I cooked a non-traditional meal of steak, with trimmings.  They loved it.  We opened gifts and then headed to church for a candle light service. 
I stepped out of my comfort zone during the season and joined the Church Choir for our Christmas musical.  I have always been a singer but took some time off.  It felt good to be a part of a choir again.  I was happy that Mike came to hear the choir.  It always makes me happy when he attends church with me.  I feel like my other half is with me.  After church we Face timed with Steph and family and opened gifts together.  One of our favorite gifts was an ipad, from Steph & Jeff, that we received before Christmas...to enjoy early.  Steph always sends the best gifts.  I had mentioned that her dad really loved watching the old Twilight Zone episodes, so she sent him the first Season, which we watched on New Year's Day. 
Dec. 16 was a nightmare of a day.  I flew with my mom to Houston to meet my sister, for her to go home with her.  After 2 cancelled flights and 4 hours of sitting in an airport, we finally made it to Houston.  It is very challenging flying with a handicapped person who is on oxygen and in a wheel chair and has to make umpteen trips to the bathroom before and during flight.   I guess it was all worth it because mom is very content living with my sister.  I still have her house responsibilities, but it's not as stressful as taking care of my mom and trying to work a full time job and deal with health issues. 
My health hasn't been the best since Christmas.  I got sick on Christmas day with an upper respiratory infection.  I ended up going to Care Express a few days later.  I have also been dealing with joint and muscle aches and pains.  The ulcerative colitis has not been good to me as well.  I see a few Dr. appointments in my near future.  I have always been the caregiver, and now it is time to take care of me. 

HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY GRAYSON

"9" Years ago on October 7th...the cutest little guy was born.  "Grayson Roger Precourt".   I remember after he was born, taking his big brother's Noah and Carter to the hospital to meet their new baby brother.  He was so tiny and had the sweetest face.  Gray LOVES dinosaurs and can name each one.  He is an animal lover, but allergic to most of them.  He fell in love with our doxies and said "when Grampy and Mimi die, I want to raise their dogs".  He also said he wanted to come and live with us when he turns 18, because he loves the dogs.  My third born grandson is so special to me and I love him dearly.   I love how he smiles with his eyes.  I love how content he was in his baby sling while his mommy went about her daily chores.  I love that he loves my chicken roll ups.  I love how he wears his favorite pants until they have huge holes, then keeps wearing them anyway.  He's my one and only "Graybee" .....

Happy 6th Birthday to Our "Miss Ivy LaRue"

Six years ago today, early in the morning, I shared in the most amazing experience of my life, aside from the births of my 2 children.  My precious Ivy arrived in the wee hours, while her brothers slept in the next room.  It could not have played out more perfect.  I was never so proud of my daughter.  Just the thought of a Home Birth in the beginning makes you a little nervous, but, after researching and learning about how safe they are, the nerves were gone.  I was so surprised I was so calm.  Steph knew what she was doing and I had so much faith in her.  The memory is still fresh in my mind and I hope it will be when I'm 90 years. 
I mailed her presents and she received them 3 days before her birthday.  Grampy and I watched her open them up via Skype.  She was so happy with all her treasures.  The next day she was surprised with a Barbie Dream House from her mom & dad.  She has been celebrating for 4 days now. 
Today, I send Love and Birthday wishes to Ivy LaRue Precourt.  She wears a smile like a happy sunshine.  She looks just like her mommy did at her age.  I see big and great things ahead for this energetic little girl.  I can't wait to play Barbie's and cards with her next month when I go for a visit.  I am taking extra vitamins to keep up with her. 

October Surprise

A few months ago I get a call from my son-in-law Jeff.  He had a brilliant idea and wanted to see if I were up for it.  He wanted to surprise Steph by flying me to Oregon for their 15th Wedding Anniversary, to stay with the kids while he takes Steph away for a day or two.  I told him it looked promising, but I would check with work first to see if I could get away.  It didn't take long to decide that I would be crazy not to go, so I called him back (at his work office, in case Steph saw that I called on his cell phone), to tell him I was on board.  He was going to tell her the day before I was expected to arrive.  He was going to have her pick me up from the airport.
The plans were in the making and my trip was booked.  Now, I had the job of keeping the secret.  I tried not to tell too many people, just in case it were to slip.  I was very proud of myself for keeping the secret.  So....Steph calls me Saturday morning while on her Produce run to pick up her produce basket.  She was so excited.....while on their morning walk at the ocean, Jeff told her the surprise.  He knew she would want time to plan for me coming and for their get away. 
I think she was also surprised that I kept the secret. 
I miss them in the worse way, so I am so grateful to Jeff for this opportunity to come for a visit.  I am sure I will be cooking all of the kids favorites and playing many card games with Ivy...and Barbies.  Who knows, they all might teach me to play poker.  I will even get to see Carter at dress rehearsal for his next play.  I am really looking forward to this trip.  Ocean, here I come!!!!

I'm back

I can't believe I let "July" pass by without ONE post.  We celebrated the 4th by going to a cook-out at our daughter-in-law's parents.  We had so much delicious food and watched the kids swim. 
On July 6th, we went to our great nephew, Aric's high school graduation open house.  It's hard to believe they grow up so fast. 
On July 23rd, Jack had his tonsils taken out.  He was a sick little guy for over 1 week, in pain...eating lots and lots of Popsicles.  But it helped with his breathing and his snoring is completely gone, so it was a success.
And it's a Special Birthday month, to boot!   #2 Grand-son, Carter Wilson Precourt's Birthday was celebrated on July 10th.  At his age, money is the most appreciative gift to give and especially easy to mail to Oregon.  He has a love for Legos, so he was able to add to his collection. 
I also celebrated my 58th Birthday on July 30th.  Gee, typing the numbers "58" sure was difficult and doesn't seem real.  Sometimes I feel it but most times I still feel like a kid.  It was a very different Birthday for me.  I was feeling a little discouraged, I guess cause since my dad passed away, my Birthday hasn't been the same.  He loved to celebrate, taking me to lunch at Olive Garden or just his laugh when I walked in his house on my Birthday and sometimes being greeted with balloons and a card with money or a special gift.  Don't get me wrong, my family and friends also make my Birthday special.  In fact, I was treated to Olive Garden by my co-worker, Glenda, who also baked me a Key Lime cake and 2 quiche.  She also brought me beautiful flowers.  
I had the most unexpected blessing the day after my birthday from a Client at work.  They came in the office to pick up their Land Survey and pay.  They admired my Birthday flowers from my co-worker Glenda.  I told them they were given to me for my Birthday.  Well....after they left, I get a call from the Client, asking me what my favorite flavor cupcake was.  They wanted to bring me a designer cupcake for my Birthday.  I told them that was so nice of them but they didn't have to do that.  They insisted!!  So, I told them coconut, key lime or banana.  They show up later on with a pretty pink box with 2 cupcakes the size of a small cake and really too beautiful to eat.  And not only did they give me the cupcakes but there was a card on top of the box, which I opened up after they left.  It said "Happy Birthday to someone special" and a hand written note on the inside that read " Rhonda, You are truly a very special and sweet lady.  We appreciate all of your help.  We hope that life for you and yours is filled with good health, happiness, peace and love.  Luck, Love and Blessings, Jim and Judy Marsh.  I burst into tears when I read it, but was more shocked to see the $50 bill that was also inside.  It made me immediately think of something my dad did.  I called them and thanked them and told her my dad use to give me cards with $50 bill inside and she told me that it was a gift from my dad.  She is truly an Angel on earth. 
And my Birthday continued on into the week.  I got a surprise box of goodies from my sister.  My Oregon family sent me the cutest pair of Dachshund earrings before my birthday.  My sweet mom gave me money to clothes shop before my birthday.  I got 2 nice outfits.  My sister-in-law gave me a beautiful crystal vase.  I got a really nice beach chair from Nate & family.  Mike took me to dinner.  So, it turned out to be a great 58. 
So now we are headed into August, a new month.  Our 40th Wedding Anniversary was Aug. 2.  Wow, we made it to 40 years and where did the time go?  My ideal 40th celebration would have been to renew our vows at the beach with our kids and grand kids there.  Maybe we can do this on our 50th?  Mike is still my best friend.  I miss him when he is not around.  Grocery shopping is not the same without him with me.  He is my helper with mom.  He listens to me gripe and moan about non sense stuff.  I listen to him snore in the lazy boy minutes after he has read the paper....like clock work!  We might not have the perfect marriage but we are blessed to have 2 Gifted children, and their amazing devoted spouses and 6 of the sweetest blessings on earth, our grand kids.
August brought a visit from Mike's sister, Susie and her husband Jerry, from Colorado.  They were here from the 15th until 24th.  We had a very nice visit with them during the 9 days they were here.  We went to a Memorial for Jerry's sister, April, who had passed away in January.  I prepared a nice dinner one night for them, which consisted of ALL gluten free foods, since they are gluten free.  It was a challenge, but I mastered it.  The chocolate cake was to die for.  The highlight of their visit was a little family reunion the day before they went home.  I managed to pull it all together and get most of the family who lived around our area.  We all met at our favorite local pizza restaurant in a private room.  Lots of laughter filled the room.  It's always nice to get together with family. 
And so, August is slipping away and soon will be September.  My mom is taking a one way flight to my sister's in Louisiana on Sept. 6 for who knows how long.  Her idea is to stay for 6 months to see if she could be happy living down there.  And, if she decides to move, we will sell her house.  Since my brother-in-law is retired, she would have someone with her all day.  My sister's work schedule is more flexible than mine and she gets more time off than I do, so she would be with her a lot.  It would be an ideal situation.  There are more family members down there to dote over her and do things with.  I really do pray it all works out and she can be happy.  At least she would be out of the cold weather and snow.
Stay tuned for more of September happenings.....until then, I'm back!

Lost and hoping to be found

This is my blog, so I can write what I feel.  Lately, I have been feeling lost. 
When my dad passed away 3 years and 4 months ago I was not prepared to be a caregiver to my mom.  With me being the only child living near her, I was given the responsibility.....AND oh, what a responsibility it is.  Where are all these close friends who say they are here for you, anything you need?
My mom relied on my dad for almost everything in everyday life.  He paid the bills, went to the store, and took care of her needs.  My mom has been sick for a long time.  She suffers with Meniere's Disease and has only 25% hearing in the only ear she can hear out of, and wears a hearing aid.  She suffers with loud noises in that ear at times.  She has a lung issue and is on oxygen 24/7.  She has Gerd and very sensitive stomach, bad knees, hip & back. 
Before all of these issues, when my mom was well, she worked a very hard on the body job at General Mills as a packer.  She worked shift work.  My dad also worked at General Mills.  I remember my mom always looking her best, going to the gym and working out, keeping fit and watching her weight.  She loved going to the tanning beds and laying out in the sun.  She took pride in her appearance.  Her hair was always in place and sported the latest hairstyle.  She was the best cook.  We could always count on her to cook a big Sunday meal and have family over.  She was famous for her "Roast" dinners.  She was the church Christmas tree decorator, having every decoration on the tree in place and she crocheted white bells for each branch.  She was overseer of peanut brittle making at the church, giving of her time and her and my dad also selling hundreds of bags at work to donate to the Ladies Ministries.  I remember a time when she used her Birthday money to buy coats for my kids.  My mom was the most giving person.
She took care of my dad for years after he had a work related accident and developed Epilepsy.  She was by his side every time he would have a seizure.  Growing up, we witnessed a lot of episodes he would have and my mom was always there, being his nurse.  Thankfully my dad's seizures would taper off and with medication they got less and less.  When my mom got sick with the ear problem and had surgery, she had to take an early retirement.  It was then my dads turn to take care of her.  He remained working and finally decided to retire before he really wanted to.  He felt like he needed to be with her as much as possible.  Many times he would want to go to church but didn't want to leave her.  I would go sit with her so he could go.  With the Meniere's disease she would get dizzy and then sick to her stomach.  It wasn't a pleasant sight to see her in that shape.  You feel helpless.  People would ask "how is your mom"?  I got tired of always answering them "she's sick".  I wanted so badly for my mom to be better. 
So, now I am at a point of having to make some tough decisions on my moms behalf.  She recently got out of the hospital and is very weak.  I have been trying to find home care for her and it isn't an easy task.  I stop every morning on my way to work to make her breakfast and usually leave her something easy to grab for lunch.  I rush home after work to start dinner and usually take to her around 6:00 or 6:30.  I call myself "meals on wheels".  She did get approved for care with the VNA "visiting nurses association".  They supply her with nursing a few times per week, bath aid and physical therapy.  I am still trying to find someone to spend nights with her, to free me up.  I miss sleeping in my own bed.  Is that selfish of me?  Is it selfish of me to want my old life back?  I want a normal marriage again.  Thank God Mike is supportive and loves my mom.  He is our handy man around her house.  But, it is getting very tiring taking care of 2 houses.  We did hire a lawn service to free us up from having to mow.  She wants to stay in her home, so assisted living and nursing home is on the back burner for now.  Our hope and goal for now is for her to gain her strength back so she can travel to stay with my sister in Louisiana.  She really does need a change of scenery.  As for now, I will continue to be the daughter/caregiver and take one day at a time.  Thanks for reading and letting me share my feelings.  I don't feel as lost as when I started writing.

Happy Birthday Jackson!

How can Jackson be 5 years old already?  Jackson Kent Wilson is a little comedian and has such a tender heart.  He loves to open the long cabinet at my house when he comes over because he knows he will find his favorite snacks, "fishy crackers".  He also loves my corn dogs, that I try to keep stocked up in the freezer.  He told him mommy that it's a "Fair" at Mimi and Grampa's house because I always have corn dogs.  I usually have to pick the corn part off the dog though...doesn't make sense to me, but I do it.  Jack reminds me so much of his daddy at that age.  He is just pure joy to watch and we love him so much.  We will celebrate his Birthday Saturday.  Happy Birthday Jackson!  Mimi & Grampa love you sooooooo much!!

A Vacation to remember

March 21, Mike and I flew to Oregon to visit Steph, Jeff, Noah, Carter, Gray and Ivy.  We stayed until April 1.  For some reason, I am unable to download my vacation pictures...I took lots! 
It was so nice to just have a relaxing, do what you want to do kind of vacation.  It was great being with our family and walking down to the ocean any time we felt like it.  Jeff and Steph rented a van the first weekend we were there and we drove to the most glorious place I have ever seen, "Crater Lake"...Although I got motion sick from the winding roads, it was worth going to.  We went to Antique stores and just bummed around, which is very relaxing to us.  We celebrated Mike's 60th Birthday while we were there.  We ate the best fish and chips ever.  My brother, Heather and their 3 dogs came to see us for a few days on their way to a Dog show in Albany, Oregon.  We had the best visit.  The kids loved playing with the dogs.  Ivy had an immediate attraction to Heather and they played old maid, go fish, colored and played dress up dolls the whole entire time they were visiting.  They did take a break to eat.  After Heather left, I was the playmate.  Ivy and I must have played 100 games of Old Maid.  She cried before I left saying "who will play Old Maid with me"?  I told her we can Skype and your mommy can be me....and that, we did.
The highlight of our trip was getting to see Carter in his first Play.  "Wagon Wheels a rollin'".  He was the Judge and a mighty good judge he was.  We actually saw the play twice while we were there.  I am so proud of our little actor. 
I enjoyed hanging out with Noah, watching American Idol and saying who our favorites were.
Gray entertained us with his pet gerbils and hamster.  Jeff took us on a tour of his workplace, "The World Newspaper". 
One of the weirdest things that happened was when we were on the beach and Steph stumbled upon a dead cow.  It really freaked us all out.  It just looked like it was napping.  It has washed in from a river into the ocean from a farm. 
All in all, it was one of the best vacations Mike and I were able to take.  Can't wait to go back....sooner than later, we hope!

Happy 7th Birthday Abby!

We celebrated Abby's 7th Birthday at a very special place called "Liberty Zone".  It is in a church with a play area for the kids and a party room.  Abby is a very special young lady.  She loves style and everything matching.  She has a very tender heart and loves Jesus.  She loves to sing and play the piano.  I try to teach her little songs on the piano when she comes over.  She is such a Joy to have around.   Mimi & Grampa love her soooo much!  Happy Birthday Abigail Vera.....

Trip to Oregon Planned

It seems so long ago when I read to my "Four" Geese on this comfy couch.  They are now living over 2200 miles away from where this picture was taken. 
In 16 days Grampa and I will be on a plane headed to Oregon for 12 fun days.  I can't begin to explain how excited I am.  It has been 10 months since I have seen these precious grand kids.  Before they moved, I was their #1 babysitter and made a trip to see them at least once if not twice a week since they were born.  It has taken a lot of getting use to with them not being so close by.  Sure, we have Skype, but it's not the same as being able to give them a hug or kiss on the cheek.  When I see how happy they are, it does make it a lot better. 
I feel like I have so much to do to get ready for the trip.  I tend to over pack any trip I take.  Mike and I haven't had a vacation together in so long, we don't know how to act.  We are just so grateful to our daughter, Steph for booking our trip.  I am longing to walk near the ocean and do some exploring with the family.  I am looking forward to "fresh" fish and chips.  I am looking forward to having coffee and a muffin or bagel with my daughter in the morning at the local coffee shop.  I am looking forward to playing Barbie's with Ivy and of course the board games she loves.  I am looking forward to playing cards with the boys, who taught me their favorite one.  I am looking forward to meeting my grand-gerbils and grand-hamster.  And of course I am looking forward to my "son-in-laws" best hugs. 
I can't wait to go to sleep and wake up with the sound of the Ocean.  I can't wait to look out the window and see the beautiful Ocean and see the stars at night. 
I'm sure I will be in the kitchen making every one's favorite dishes.  It is going to be one big slumber party.  I'm so glad the kids are on Spring break and we can hang out without a schedule. 
I am also excited to be able to see Carter's play he is in.  I want time to stand still while we are there. 

Happy 13th Birthday Noah!

How is it possible that Noah is a Teenager already?  My first born grandson is 13.  I have so many emotions when I think of Noah.  He went through so much as a little tot and smiled all the way through it.  He is the face of an Angel.  He has a contagious smile.  He has a tender heart.  He is a perfect big brother, always helping out his siblings.  I can remember going to babysit at his house before he could walk, just he and I, up in his bedroom, sitting on the floor, playing music and having a good ole time crawling around.  We had and still have a special bond.  I pray for protection over our Noah and these teenage years are easy and special for him. 
Happy Special Birthday Noah!!  And thanks for giving me the best name ever..."Mimi"

I'm dreaming of Hot Sand between my toes!

We have had our share of snow here in beautiful Northwest Indiana.  I am the first one to say that I love my snow.  I even collect Dept. 56 Snow baby figurines, I love it that much.  But, enough is enough....When you are counting feet instead of inches every day and driving in white outs, it turns from beautiful to dread.  It's sort of a love/hate relationship. 
I watched it snow all day yesterday from my office window at work and figured that leaving at my normal time to go home would probably be safe...boy was I wrong...
I started out driving and about 1 mile down the road was like driving through a white tunnel....It was a Total Whiteout!  I drove with my hazard lights on.  And it did not let up until I got home 30 minutes later and was safe in my garage.  I would have kissed the cement floor but didn't want my lips to freeze to the ground, I was that happy to be home.
I can honestly say that I am looking forward to Summer, but most of all, walking in the hot sand and feel the sand between my toes....Summer can't come fast enough for me. 

Happy 37th Birthday Steph!

It feels a little out of sorts for me today with Steph living over 2200 miles away and not being able to bake her favorite "lemon bars" or pick up her favorite "designer desserts" cupcakes to celebrate her Special Day. 
This picture was taken a few years ago on her Birthday when she requested her favorite lemon bars.  Steph has never been a cake kind of gal. 
I am so happy that she was able to celebrate her Birthday in such a special way this year by taking a road trip to Seattle Washington with Jeff and kids.  She is living her dream, as she slides in to 37.  Living in the most beautiful place and near the ocean really agrees with her.  It makes a mom feel good inside to know that their child is in a place of contentment and peace. 
My wish and hope for her on this Special Day is to continue following her dreams and reach for those magical stars in the Bandon Skies.  I love you daughter, to the ocean and back a zillion times....
Happy Happy Birthday...Mom