Tonight we lost another one of our family members. Uncle Merle. We knew it wasn't going to be long. My cousin has been home since last Thursday tending to his care.
These last few days, hours have been hard.
We now have two graveside services to attend. Uncle Merle, Aunt Beverly and you will be painting Heaven Red.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Update
We have lost one of our hospice people. My son-in-laws grandmother passed away at 7:15 their time. The funeral arrangements are incomplete at the present time.
My Uncle Merle only has hours left. My cousin was called back to the nursing home today, so it is just a matter of time.
We have not heard anything from my husband's aunt. So we are not sure how much longer his cousin has.
My Uncle Merle only has hours left. My cousin was called back to the nursing home today, so it is just a matter of time.
We have not heard anything from my husband's aunt. So we are not sure how much longer his cousin has.
Rachel
Rachel went to a swimming/team party last night. She got home around midnight...
She did pretty good at getting up. We have done much running around today.
We went with mother to the grocery store and to Sally's to purchase a perm. Then we came home. Rachel got ready to take a shower and it broke, so off to Lowe's we went. Came home fixed the shower, ate some lunch, she took her shower, watched a little TV and then it was time to get ready for her game.
She had to be there to watch the other game, older girls, and so I took her, dropped her off and will go back soon. It is just too darn hot.
She did pretty good at getting up. We have done much running around today.
We went with mother to the grocery store and to Sally's to purchase a perm. Then we came home. Rachel got ready to take a shower and it broke, so off to Lowe's we went. Came home fixed the shower, ate some lunch, she took her shower, watched a little TV and then it was time to get ready for her game.
She had to be there to watch the other game, older girls, and so I took her, dropped her off and will go back soon. It is just too darn hot.
Sure wish it would rain.
I sure do wish it would rain. It is so uncomfortable outside. My list of chores for myself is growing longer. Ugh!
I know that when we are in a rain spell we are wishing for dry weather.
Poor weather just can't get a break. LOL.
I know that when we are in a rain spell we are wishing for dry weather.
Poor weather just can't get a break. LOL.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Here I sit
Here I sit, 11:05 p.m. and Rachel is not home from the team party. Where or Where can my granddaughter be?
I guess this team likes to party pretty hardy. I know it is the end of the year type stuff, but their season still has a few weeks left. I think they should all be home in bed since they have a double header tomorrow.
Heat, little sleep and a double header equals wore out.
Rachel has nationals in roller skating on Saturday. I wonder how many hours of sleep she will need with this party tonight.
I have to get up in the morning. I wish she would call in the next couple of minutes since I have to met up with her ride.
I guess this team likes to party pretty hardy. I know it is the end of the year type stuff, but their season still has a few weeks left. I think they should all be home in bed since they have a double header tomorrow.
Heat, little sleep and a double header equals wore out.
Rachel has nationals in roller skating on Saturday. I wonder how many hours of sleep she will need with this party tonight.
I have to get up in the morning. I wish she would call in the next couple of minutes since I have to met up with her ride.
Retirement: The thought of not having to go back to work.
I am beginning to realize that I have retired. As I sat tonight and listened to my sister and cousin talking of school chatter, you know teachers don't really get the summer off as some folks would like to believe.
They are talking of getting their classrooms ready, class list... Oh boy do I not miss that. I would be making lesson plans already, preparing worksheets for reinforcement, making power points to help present lessons, and the list goes on.
I found myself today at Walmart looking at classroom supplies (teachers always love the beginning of the school year sells.) I caught myself picking up things I would need, crayons, markers, erasers... I put most of it back... I DON'T NEED TO FURNISH SUPPLIES THIS YEAR!
I may talk to my husband about donating some to local charities that are collecting supplies to make sure kids they service will have supplies.
I know I will have the "need" to purchase supplies in my brain. STOP brain I don't have to do that this year.
Here is a hint to folks that think teachers don't do much... I purchased each year at the beginning 500 to 600 dollars in supplies out of my pocket. You would be surprised at how many kids don't have basic supplies. I always had pencils, pens, crayons, color pencils, folders, 3-ring binders, notebook paper by the cases, poster board, glue, glue sticks, paint brushes, erasers, pencil sharpeners (they wear out because students want to sharpen colored pencils in them, which ruins the blades) pens, spiral notebooks by the cases, rulers, calculators (they all seem to walk out by the end of the first semester), highlighters, markers (every kind you can imagine), and my list goes on as I find little things for the students.
So if you are reading this, be a friend to local teachers, purchase supplies and donate them to their classrooms. Believe it or not this is a donation. Check with your tax consultant to see what all you can donate and get a tax credit for.
You can also help all those school fundraisers by donating the money instead of purchasing stuff you don't want. They get to keep 100% of this donation, where on the product they get a small percentage. (Just a thought.) Also check with your tax consultant about donating time in classrooms helping to grade papers, read to kids, help kids who are falling behind, to serve snacks... ask your school if there is anything they need a volunteer for.
They are talking of getting their classrooms ready, class list... Oh boy do I not miss that. I would be making lesson plans already, preparing worksheets for reinforcement, making power points to help present lessons, and the list goes on.
I found myself today at Walmart looking at classroom supplies (teachers always love the beginning of the school year sells.) I caught myself picking up things I would need, crayons, markers, erasers... I put most of it back... I DON'T NEED TO FURNISH SUPPLIES THIS YEAR!
I may talk to my husband about donating some to local charities that are collecting supplies to make sure kids they service will have supplies.
I know I will have the "need" to purchase supplies in my brain. STOP brain I don't have to do that this year.
Here is a hint to folks that think teachers don't do much... I purchased each year at the beginning 500 to 600 dollars in supplies out of my pocket. You would be surprised at how many kids don't have basic supplies. I always had pencils, pens, crayons, color pencils, folders, 3-ring binders, notebook paper by the cases, poster board, glue, glue sticks, paint brushes, erasers, pencil sharpeners (they wear out because students want to sharpen colored pencils in them, which ruins the blades) pens, spiral notebooks by the cases, rulers, calculators (they all seem to walk out by the end of the first semester), highlighters, markers (every kind you can imagine), and my list goes on as I find little things for the students.
So if you are reading this, be a friend to local teachers, purchase supplies and donate them to their classrooms. Believe it or not this is a donation. Check with your tax consultant to see what all you can donate and get a tax credit for.
You can also help all those school fundraisers by donating the money instead of purchasing stuff you don't want. They get to keep 100% of this donation, where on the product they get a small percentage. (Just a thought.) Also check with your tax consultant about donating time in classrooms helping to grade papers, read to kids, help kids who are falling behind, to serve snacks... ask your school if there is anything they need a volunteer for.
Class Reunion
My class just celebrated our 40th year. I was unable to attend with all of the family obligations this year. Maybe the next one I will be able to attend.
It is great to see all of the pictures of people I went to school with and graduated with. We were a very large class for our high school.
You all look great in the pictures. It looks like you had a really great time.
It is great to see all of the pictures of people I went to school with and graduated with. We were a very large class for our high school.
You all look great in the pictures. It looks like you had a really great time.
Monday, July 18, 2011
What is hospice care?
All three of our people are now in hospice care.
My daughter called and asked me what it was as her husband's grandmother was in hospice care at the hospital. I have a definition for her and others that would like to know:
Hospice care, provides humane and compassionate care for people in the last phases of an incurable disease so that they may live as fully and comfortably as possible.
Uncle Merle has one or two days left. He has not been able to eat or drink for at least 4 days. The average person can go 5 to 7 days without eating or drinking.
I know this has to be hard for my cousin. She is in the medical field and understands what is happening. It has been a battle with the nursing home to do as my uncle's living will states. The nurse's aids have given her the toughest time.
My husband's cousin has been with hospice for a few weeks now. Stage four cancer is not pretty. She was a heavy smoker. I know this does not always contribute to lung cancer, however it does in many cases. She was also one of those people who believed smoking pot did not damage your lungs. Well it does.
My son-in-laws grandmother is now in hospice care. I have to say that the one daughter of hers is very strong and stated we will follow her wishes. One son is having a hard time accepting his mother's prognosis and the fact she will be passing soon also.
Guilt makes it hard to let go of someone. Especially when you could have done more or paid more attention to them. Sometimes we get so hung up in our own Little worlds we forget the most important things of all: 1. show your love for your family ~ financial security is okay, but doing small things like visiting even when you don't feel like it, makes a big difference in someones day. (Just don't act like you don't want to be there.) 2. Do not be so worried about finances that you forget that maybe a homemade card, a game of catch, you cooking a special meal for another individual ~ that's love. It can't be bought with cash. (You can't take money with you when you die, so just enough to make life comfortable is all someone needs.)
I know how tough it is to watch a loved one die. My father passed away when I was a teenager from cancer. We didn't notice the small changes at the time, but when we look at old photos, we can see the things we thought were just life changes.
I prayed to God one night, when my father was still at home, that God would take him and release him from this pain if he couldn't be healed. That was the last night my father spent at home. He died 35 hours later.
I knew I had been a good daughter to him. We played ball together, swam, went on vacations, spent as much time together as life would allow. I didn't want him in pain, I wanted him to be in the safe arms of God and Heaven.
Do I believe in Heaven? I do. I believe my father is our family's light. That he is the one that greets others. Why do I believe this? My cousin talked to my dad before he died, my grandmother talked to my dad before she passed, my older sister talked to my dad~ she kept saying, "Daddy I can't see the light." When she saw the light she smiled and peacefully passed on.
Yes I believe there is a Heaven and God. Yes I believe hospice is the best program that has ever been created.
Prayers to our loved ones. Prayers of a peaceful passing to their new lives.
My daughter called and asked me what it was as her husband's grandmother was in hospice care at the hospital. I have a definition for her and others that would like to know:
Hospice care, provides humane and compassionate care for people in the last phases of an incurable disease so that they may live as fully and comfortably as possible.
Uncle Merle has one or two days left. He has not been able to eat or drink for at least 4 days. The average person can go 5 to 7 days without eating or drinking.
I know this has to be hard for my cousin. She is in the medical field and understands what is happening. It has been a battle with the nursing home to do as my uncle's living will states. The nurse's aids have given her the toughest time.
My husband's cousin has been with hospice for a few weeks now. Stage four cancer is not pretty. She was a heavy smoker. I know this does not always contribute to lung cancer, however it does in many cases. She was also one of those people who believed smoking pot did not damage your lungs. Well it does.
My son-in-laws grandmother is now in hospice care. I have to say that the one daughter of hers is very strong and stated we will follow her wishes. One son is having a hard time accepting his mother's prognosis and the fact she will be passing soon also.
Guilt makes it hard to let go of someone. Especially when you could have done more or paid more attention to them. Sometimes we get so hung up in our own Little worlds we forget the most important things of all: 1. show your love for your family ~ financial security is okay, but doing small things like visiting even when you don't feel like it, makes a big difference in someones day. (Just don't act like you don't want to be there.) 2. Do not be so worried about finances that you forget that maybe a homemade card, a game of catch, you cooking a special meal for another individual ~ that's love. It can't be bought with cash. (You can't take money with you when you die, so just enough to make life comfortable is all someone needs.)
I know how tough it is to watch a loved one die. My father passed away when I was a teenager from cancer. We didn't notice the small changes at the time, but when we look at old photos, we can see the things we thought were just life changes.
I prayed to God one night, when my father was still at home, that God would take him and release him from this pain if he couldn't be healed. That was the last night my father spent at home. He died 35 hours later.
I knew I had been a good daughter to him. We played ball together, swam, went on vacations, spent as much time together as life would allow. I didn't want him in pain, I wanted him to be in the safe arms of God and Heaven.
Do I believe in Heaven? I do. I believe my father is our family's light. That he is the one that greets others. Why do I believe this? My cousin talked to my dad before he died, my grandmother talked to my dad before she passed, my older sister talked to my dad~ she kept saying, "Daddy I can't see the light." When she saw the light she smiled and peacefully passed on.
Yes I believe there is a Heaven and God. Yes I believe hospice is the best program that has ever been created.
Prayers to our loved ones. Prayers of a peaceful passing to their new lives.
Up date
Uncle Merle is hanging in there. EB's mother now has a feeding tube. Not sure this is her wish, however she is in a hospital and they forgot to take her living will with them.
We have not heard from my husband's family so not sure how his cousin is doing. We will call this week.
We have not heard from my husband's family so not sure how his cousin is doing. We will call this week.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Health
The family is having some health problems. Looks like we will be having a few funerals in the next month or so.
James' cousin is in stage 4 cancer. It is now in her liver and brain. It is so painful that they basically keep her sedated.
Uncle Merle had a good day yesterday morning, however by the afternoon all of his vitals were beginning to crash. My cousin says he probably won't make it through the weekend.
Our son-in-laws grandmother had a stroke. She was air lifted to the hospital in Indy. She is unresponsive at the time. Massive amount of blood in the left temporal lobe. Not good.
Prays and thoughts go out to our family. Thoughts and prays to my friends who are also facing some sort of tragedy themselves.
James' cousin is in stage 4 cancer. It is now in her liver and brain. It is so painful that they basically keep her sedated.
Uncle Merle had a good day yesterday morning, however by the afternoon all of his vitals were beginning to crash. My cousin says he probably won't make it through the weekend.
Our son-in-laws grandmother had a stroke. She was air lifted to the hospital in Indy. She is unresponsive at the time. Massive amount of blood in the left temporal lobe. Not good.
Prays and thoughts go out to our family. Thoughts and prays to my friends who are also facing some sort of tragedy themselves.
Two loads done...
Two loads of laundry done. Getting things ready for a rummage sale. Helping my daughter with the sorting of her children's clothes and getting them ready for the rummage sale.
I have been to the store already, have the meat ready to cook for spaghetti sauce, have meat for some other crock pot meals.
My break is over now so I need to head back to work. Cleaning this huge house takes too much time. Can't complain, don't know what I would do with less space.
I have been to the store already, have the meat ready to cook for spaghetti sauce, have meat for some other crock pot meals.
My break is over now so I need to head back to work. Cleaning this huge house takes too much time. Can't complain, don't know what I would do with less space.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Heat Wave!?!
Getting prepared for the next round of heat wave. Air on full blast... Cooling before the heating. Cookie baking tomorrow and meal prep that takes heat. Crock pots ready to go. Cool meals... Well I don't know. Maybe diet time.
I have my meals planned and I am going to start tonight. I do not want to heat the house any more than I have to.
Tomorrow I plan to get all house work done... run to the library and get some good books to read. Get some cross-stitch or some sewing things. It is going to be a long hot week!... This is suppose to start Sunday at 7 a.m. and go through Friday 7 p.m. I will not be on the computer any more than I have to be.
I guess I should go change some of the water in the pond for the fish. If it gets that hot they could die... don't want to loose any of them. Hopefully Rachel's game Wednesday will get cancelled due to heat.
Have a great week... stay cool... stay safe....
I have my meals planned and I am going to start tonight. I do not want to heat the house any more than I have to.
Tomorrow I plan to get all house work done... run to the library and get some good books to read. Get some cross-stitch or some sewing things. It is going to be a long hot week!... This is suppose to start Sunday at 7 a.m. and go through Friday 7 p.m. I will not be on the computer any more than I have to be.
I guess I should go change some of the water in the pond for the fish. If it gets that hot they could die... don't want to loose any of them. Hopefully Rachel's game Wednesday will get cancelled due to heat.
Have a great week... stay cool... stay safe....
We went on our vacation 1
This past week we took a weeks vacation to Tennessee. We had a really great time. Only thing that could have made it better if some of the grandchildren were with us.
Lara, my hubby and I started off by going to the Monkees concert with my sister and our son-in-law, Chris.
The morning after Chris took off for Germany and we headed back home with Lara and my sister.
The next day we just lazy around and got prepared for the trip. Off we went. First we stopped at Cathy and Darrell's house. Lara stayed the night there while we headed to a hotel up the road. The next morning we went back and picked Lara up.
Our next stop was at our son's house. Visited for 2 days there. Then we headed to my husband's sister's house. We visited them 2 days and then we headed to Pigeon Forge. Stayed a night there. Then we went back to Knoxville and visited two of my husband's aunts. I had never met the one, and the other we have not seen in too many years.
My husband's one cousin had had a stroke, but seemed to be doing well. His other cousin (we visited) is in stage 4 lung cancer. It is in her liver and brain now.
We took off from there and headed back to Darrell and Cathy's place. We stayed the night there as we were going to a Stampin Up party. It was really fun and I learned techniques I thought were going to be hard. Thanks Cathy. I really enjoyed the party.
After the party we packed up and headed home.
Lara stayed the night, visited her grandma (my mom) the next morning and then my wonderful husband took her home.
When will the next trip be?
Hard telling. My uncle is very ill and not expected to last much longer and we plan to go to my husband's cousin's funeral when the time comes.
Not a good way to end a great trip, but life is not always fair.
Lara, my hubby and I started off by going to the Monkees concert with my sister and our son-in-law, Chris.
The morning after Chris took off for Germany and we headed back home with Lara and my sister.
The next day we just lazy around and got prepared for the trip. Off we went. First we stopped at Cathy and Darrell's house. Lara stayed the night there while we headed to a hotel up the road. The next morning we went back and picked Lara up.
Our next stop was at our son's house. Visited for 2 days there. Then we headed to my husband's sister's house. We visited them 2 days and then we headed to Pigeon Forge. Stayed a night there. Then we went back to Knoxville and visited two of my husband's aunts. I had never met the one, and the other we have not seen in too many years.
My husband's one cousin had had a stroke, but seemed to be doing well. His other cousin (we visited) is in stage 4 lung cancer. It is in her liver and brain now.
We took off from there and headed back to Darrell and Cathy's place. We stayed the night there as we were going to a Stampin Up party. It was really fun and I learned techniques I thought were going to be hard. Thanks Cathy. I really enjoyed the party.
After the party we packed up and headed home.
Lara stayed the night, visited her grandma (my mom) the next morning and then my wonderful husband took her home.
When will the next trip be?
Hard telling. My uncle is very ill and not expected to last much longer and we plan to go to my husband's cousin's funeral when the time comes.
Not a good way to end a great trip, but life is not always fair.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Weather
It seems to be a little cooler today. Only 77 right now. Wonder if we will get storms or not. The girls had games last night. I did not go because it was soooo hot. I don't know why they didn't cancel those games. Oh well they survived and they are over.
Can't complain too much as winter will be here soon and we will be wishing for warm weather.
Can't complain too much as winter will be here soon and we will be wishing for warm weather.
TSA
Okay someone got through security with a stungun, however small children are being sexual abused by these people and old women strip searched because they are wearing a depend diaper... I think this is a crock and we should do away with TSA screening. They pick on children, old people, and people whose plane doesn't come in and have to be transferred to a different airline. I just wonder who it was that carried that stungun onto the plane... a friend of a TSA person?
TOO HOT!
It is just too hot to do anything. The air conditioners are going full blast. Sure hope we get a break soon. I need to get out in my garden to do some much needed work.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Vacation
We are home once again. Visited many relatives. Some we haven't seen in too many years, others we see each time we go.
Our one grandson will be graduating from high school this coming school year. He is growing into a wonderful young man. Of course we share the passion of family history.
I met an aunt of my husband's that I have never met before. She was so funny. Loved meeting her. She has many stories to tell. I can't wait to go back and hear them.
I am so lucky to have a wonderful family. I will post a few of the pictures of the grandchildren on here soon. Still trying to get motivated after the trip.
Our one grandson will be graduating from high school this coming school year. He is growing into a wonderful young man. Of course we share the passion of family history.
I met an aunt of my husband's that I have never met before. She was so funny. Loved meeting her. She has many stories to tell. I can't wait to go back and hear them.
I am so lucky to have a wonderful family. I will post a few of the pictures of the grandchildren on here soon. Still trying to get motivated after the trip.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
More Monkees
This is all the pictures I am going to post of the Monkee's concert. Hope you enjoy them.
I will be posting vacation pictures in a few days. Have too much laundry to do.
I will be posting vacation pictures in a few days. Have too much laundry to do.
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