Excitement in the air!

We had some fun as our family gathered together a couple nights ago.  There was a special addition to our evening as we saw this plane overhead a few times.  It was a highlight of our evening as children squealed with delight when they heard him come and saw him arrive.  Every one of us enjoyed this neighbors occasional appearance in the air. 

I love the little things in our day-to-day life that bring smiles to our faces and joy to our hearts!  

Welcoming the Christmas Season

Hello Family and Friends,

I added a post on December first that was a "GIF" to welcome the season.  I didn't spend much time with it and it was simple but sent greetings out to those who read this blog.

The next day I was having technical difficulties and decided to remove it since it was the only change I had made.  After removing it I thought all was well again, but these words kept jumping around as I wrote this. (So between my difficulties with the computer and my schedule I'm not doing very well at getting this post done - it's taken me parts of three days now!)

Anyway -  I'm adding this apology for the error of my ways.  :)   It has confused and saddened a few of my loyal readers to know that there was once a post but it no longer exists.  I'm sorry!

I've stolen this image from google, and hope it brightens your day!  It is certainly meant to share love in this moment in time.

With the weather as it has been in our area (snowy, icy, cold and dangerous to drive in, especially in the early mornings) our school district had a two hour late start on Wednesday and Thursday, which means there was no seminary those two days.

This is not necessarily a good thing, in fact, I missed it, but it has allowed me more time at home, so I'm trying to decorate for Christmas.

I didn't decorate for many of the holidays this year.  This is especially strange for me, but some of this stuff just doesn't matter to me anymore.  What I used to want or do was done for a reason that doesn't seem to matter to me anymore at the moment.

 Maybe it will another year???  I'm happy that I don't have to think about it or decide that right now.

(Now you see how I am?)  

image from here

(And I'm ok with that!)

However, with this holiday I decided to decorate - not for me, but for everyone else.

In our most recent General Conference, I heard a phrase that interested me because I've been working on it for several years now -

“When you cannot do what you have always done, then you only do what matters most.”  Elder Hales quote from here


(And that keeps changing for me, making things really tricky.)


Anyway, I'm decorating for Christmas because what matters most is ... others!  Yip!  I don't need it, but others do.  Some even expect it from me and would be very disappointed in me if I did not decorate.  And, then it would discourage me ...,

So I did begin to decorate for Christmas on Wednesday.  Trees are out, but not decorated - just placed in their spot.  I've got to purchase some lights because after years of use, they are all burning out.

While I was decorating I even played Christmas music. That was fun.  I did enjoy it and it might help get me in the mood to finish decorating for Christmas.  The combination of Christmas music and Christmas decor, along with the memories of the past, have created a new feel - a personal and tender expression of love, unspoken.  

One of my all time favorite Christmas CDs is A Christmas to Remember, by Amy Grant. I'm currently on my third CD because it gets used and abused.

This time listening to it, I heard something and felt something I had not before heard and felt.  (Yes, that is still quite common in my life.)   As I was singing along to 'Til The Season Comes 'Round Again the words caught me of guard.  It applied to me in a completely different way than before.


Come and gather around at the table
In the spirit of family and friends
And we'll all join hands and remember this moment
'Til the season comes 'round again

Let's all try to smile for the picture
And we'll hold it as long as we can
May it carry us through
Should we ever get lonely
'Til the season comes 'round again

[Chorus:]
One night holy and bright
Shining with love from our hearts
By a warm fire,
Let's lift our heads high
And be thankful we're here
'Til this time next year

May the new year be blessed
With good tidings
'Til the next time I see you again
If we must say goodbye
Let the spirit go with you
'Til the season comes 'round again

[Chorus]
May the new year be blessed with good tidings
'Til the next time I see you again
If we must say goodbye
Let the spirit go with you
And we'll love and we'll laugh
In the time that we had
'Til the season comes 'round again


I thought of Terry, of course.
I thought of gathering for Christmas last year without him..., and that season is upon us again.
I thought of us all trying to smile for the family picture before the funeral - trying to smile and "hold it as long as [I could]".
I thought of carrying through when I do get lonely 'til the season comes 'round again - and that season is not only a Christmas season, but also the season that I will again be with Terry.   I can hardly wait!

My thoughts continued as the song continued, each phrase touching my heart in a new way.  My heart is grateful for the time that we shared and for the spirit that calms a troubled and saddened heart because we did have to say goodbye for a time.


This song came on at a time when I was working with "my family" that Terry gave me for a birthday gift many years ago.

I didn't want to put it away to bring out Christmas decor, so I moved it with a few other things to this area.  While decorating for Christmas last year, I had moved it from it's original spot on the fireplace to the hutch on the other side of the room.  When Terry looked over to the fireplace to see it one day (not realizing I had moved it) he was surprised to not find it there and asked; "where is my family?" I could sense a hurtful, disappointed tone in his voice when he realized that his family was not there. It was a painful moment for me and the feeling lingers, so I cannot move it out of sight ..., ever.


At this moment, the only decor that is complete is this one small shelf.  
I have since began decorating a little pencil tree right below the shelf, and adding items that represent or remind me of Terry.  I'm not calling it a Terry Tree, but instead it's HisTree!  Just a bit more of His Story in visual form.

Part of a floral arrangement from his funeral.

One of his handkerchiefs

A scrabble ornament I purchased for him many years ago.  We never did put it on the tree, but he kept it hung in the office on the bulletin board.  

Someone gave us a scrabble game for a wedding gift and we played that often (it was the only game we owned for years).  It helped us create many great memories.

The tree isn't complete, but it's a start ... and it feels good.   As I look at it I can also see Terry's shelf in the library and a wreath (with vintage handkerchiefs and elves) we purchased for our Seattle apartment during our last stay there.

I guess this post is proof that things do still matter to me, but one thing I have really thought about is that I didn't realize then that I had everything I wanted!    Not that Terry was the only thing I ever wanted, but he is the one thing I did not want to let go of and now that he is not here I am lost.  I'm different!   Day to day life has become something I am not familiar with.   It's a strange feeling - one I don't completely understand and cannot completely explain.      However, I am grateful for it.  And, I am grateful for this holiday season, and the reason for this season.  I am thankful for Christ!


Well, my post is finally at an end ..., complete with my wish for you -

moments full of you

I was doing some studying and found Can a husband and wife be together forever? on Mormon.org and decided to keep it where I could see it again.  This is my life!

Family relationships can last forever—not just for this life.

Just as some of life’s sweetest joys can come through family associations, the loss of a beloved family member can be a source of our deepest sorrows.

Jesus Christ gave power to His disciples to seal families together forever when He said, “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:19).

Death does not need to be the end of our relationships with cherished loved ones. The Lord revealed to Joseph Smith that the “same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there [in eternity], only it will be coupled with eternal glory” (Doctrine and Covenants 130:2).

Family members who accept the Atonement of Jesus Christ and follow His example can be together forever through sacred ordinances performed in God’s holy temples. These ordinances seal a husband and wife together for all eternity and children to their parents as an eternal family. (See: “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”)



I found this on pinterest and decided to keep it too, since I find myself living it.  I constantly search for memories of Terry and wish he was here at my side, to hug and to hold.

Sometimes I feel lost without Terry, but I do know the direction I must go and will do my best to get there, however hard it may be.  "Endure to the end" is an enormous and necessary task at hand.   However hard, I know that the Lord is my strength and that He will send me peace as I do endure.  I know it ..., I feel it from time to time ..., often enough to carry me through ..., and I am grateful.

Happy Days!

We had a busy last few days, but they have been really good days.

BrittanyJo and I were talking Wednesday evening and wishing she could be home for General Conference/Easter weekend.  By the end of the day she had made arrangements with her classes to make it happen.  She only had Monday and Tuesday left in the semester and only one class she had to attend, others were online, so she talked to her teacher and got permission to skip that last class.  She is working on other online assignments at home.

She began to pack and get things arranged in Rexburg and Anthony and I left for Rexburg Thursday morning, got there that evening, moved her out, and headed for home Friday morning.  (It was almost that easy ... maybe.)

After a long drive and four stops along the way (for fuel, meals, and a bit of Easter shopping because I had not yet shopped for any candy or meal preps) we made it home by about 6:00pm.

Chase came home for the weekend too (and brought a friend from college), so all of my unmarried children were home with me again. It was a good feeling - we missed all the children that couldn't be here with us.

We enjoyed our time together. I only have photos of a couple activities, but we have memories that will be fun to remember.  The guys replaced the pads on the trampoline.





It was a beautiful day and Boston loved this activity as much as anyone else.

We had a nice Easter breakfast with Thomas and Michael's families and enjoyed every conference message.  As usual the picture taking got left undone, and I didn't get any pics of the tablescape because I just used paper plates this year.  It just seemed easiest and when I saw the cute pink flowers on the plates at Costco I decided to go with that and be happy - and I was.  It was cheerful and easy to clean up.

I did get a cute picture of Akleigh and Elsie after they found some fun jewelry to wear - they had so much fun being together.

Once again, General Conference seemed better than the last one, even though the last one seemed the best ever. And, once again, my position in life gives me new perspective on things.

Easter day had a different feel to it this year.  As always, it was a sweet reminder of our Heavenly Father and our Savior's love for us, but this year there was a focus on one special person and my desire to be with him again.

At each loss of a family member I have been reminded of the sweet eternal blessings that are ours, and have been intensely grateful for them, but never with such depth as now.  However, I've never felt so alone after those losses, as I do now. Those intense feelings have deepened and I have many moments daily that remind me of how grateful I am for the Atonement and Resurrection and their place in my life - and my family life.  It's never been so real.

It was always a reason for living righteously and repenting of past mistakes, but it was more in the background, resurfacing as needed. Now it is front and center in every waking moment and most every thought I think, and helps give direction to my day more than ever before.

I'm definitely living a different life - no longer living the dream I once had.  The final destination is the same, but the way I travel there is definitely needing remapped.  I felt the words Sister Burton said - life just isn't life without my husband.  Life is definitely something different than what life was with him here, but as every speaker testified - our Savior lives and loves us and He reaches out to save us and to lead us safely home.

Easter was a day that changed everything and I am extremely grateful for that day..., that event..., that love..., and what it means for me and my family..., and what it does for me and my family.  It is a great and marvelous gift to us.

BJo will be here with us for two weeks before returning to BYU-I.  It's better than the 9 days we thought we'd have before we made the quick trip to get her last week.  ;)

Just a thought as I was reading something earlier (and I want to remember):

Take a deep breath and step forward.  Repeat as necessary.

Even if those steps are baby steps.  :)

I do have to do this on occasion ..., several occasions actually, but what really helps is the prayer in my heart ... at all times ... and especially just before I step forward - or even as I am stepping forward.

Sweet Moment

This morning was like several of the last few mornings, but a bit more chill in the air.  I had made plans to be gone early this morning, but those plans were changed last night as I contemplated my day and week ahead.  So that left me home to view this sweet moment in time.

I looked out the kitchen window to this tree we just planted and found a friend.  I have enjoyed having that tree there and watching it daily as I stand at the sink.  It is where my eyes focus while I'm looking out that window, and this morning it was delightful to see this little bunny enjoying it too.  It brought a smile to my face and heart that felt so good.

can you see the rabbit under the tree?

There is something joyful about seeing these little creatures (even if they do destroy a garden in no time) and I love to see them whenever they are brave and decide to show themselves (especially since there is no garden to destroy at the moment).

The sky was pretty too, and it wasn't long before the sun came through the window as I was sitting back at the table taking care of some paper work.  It is a beautiful morning!  I love beautiful mornings!

I hope you are having a beautiful morning too.

The Drivers Seat

I can only recall one time being in the drivers seat since driving Terry to Wenatchee on Tuesday morning (the 9th) and that was the next day to take Anthony into the school to get his car.  

The boys have been driving me wherever I needed to go and I was "numb" enough to let it happen without concern, and I even knew it was for the best because I wasn't sure I could function well enough to drive safely.  

But then one day I noticed I was feeling quite unnerved at not being behind the wheel and decided it was time to take my place in the drivers seat again (where I had been for many years).   So our trip to Idaho was all mine.  We made some well timed rest stops and played some music and ate some snacks to help with the long drive.   

I remember when I started driving everywhere after Terry started his first chemo treatments.  I reminded myself of my grandmother who drove everywhere she and grandpa went.  Her reason for driving (if I have my information correct) was because she was just too nervous when grandpa drove. My reason to start driving was for a different reason, but after I started driving so much of the time I began to feel uncomfortable when others drove.  That uncomfortable feeling left me for a couple weeks but it has returned and I found myself hogging' the wheel. 

I needed that!

It is one of those things about me that I need to have as a constant in my day to day life.  With so much around me and about me changing I feel the need to not let everything change in every way. 

It makes me feel like I might start mending one little particle at a time. There will always be a part of me missing, but I hope in time that will make me stronger, rather than weaker ..., because I want eternity.   I look forward to it.

I love my Savior and I can feel my Savior's love ..., 

"He will not always take your afflictions from you, 

but He will comfort and lead you with love through whatever storm you face."  

- Thomas S. Monson

and I love my husband and I still feel my husbands love for me ..., 

Oh! ..., and ...

It felt good to feel good to be home.  Strange feeling!   A tender mercy / small miracle!

Back to School +

We took BrittanyJo to Rexburg to start this next semester of college.  The roads were really good for us on the way there but there was compact snow on the roads at least half of the way home (but they didn't slow us down too much and we didn't have any problems).  The trees were lovely to see.

We left BrittanyJo feeling kinda sick.  She was alone in her apartment with no one to require her attention so she could rest or organize as she desired.  We can see with this next picture that she did some organizing (though if she is at all like her mother, things might still change after she lives there for awhile).  This is her side of the room, then her side of the walk in closet, then the bathroom - all inside her room - it's really a nice place.

apartment exterior has such a fun look and the inside is pretty cool too

While we were gone Chase headed back to Wenatchee for his new semester.  He had a project to work on before school started and some friends to visit before he left.

Monday (5th) will be the first day back to school for BJo, Chase, and Anthony.  Big Day!  

Connor will be looking for work and trying to settle in to a new routine, which is what I will be trying to do too (I guess I already have my new job, but will need to settle in to that new routine).

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with the thought of it all, but it's just because I haven't had to worry about those types of things before and I don't understand the mail I'm getting and the work that is required.  I am so glad that Thomas knows some of it, but there is some that he hasn't worked with yet too.  I'll be setting up some meetings with a few people who can help us learn about whatever we need to learn about.  I think it will just keep going with a domino effect from there.

I will try to remember Terry's encouraging words -

"It will turn out better than you think!" 

as I continue on this journey.   Day to day life is just different than it ever has been before and it is just going to keep changing for awhile.

Through the last week some of the kids have mentioned how I've changed and I just tell them that I will never be the same again.  No matter how hard I try I cannot be the same.  Not much in my day to day life is the same as it used to be so there is no way I can remain the same.  Some change will be indifferent - not necessarily better, but not really worse either - just different.  However, because we are constantly striving to be and do better I do hope to change for the better in many ways.   With the help of the Lord I know I can do it.


I'll end this post with a puzzle we did over the holiday.  You may remember that puzzles have been a big part of our lives the last few years and especially last year, so it felt right to keep that tradition going.  It was a little hard for me the first several minutes but I didn't want that part of me to change so I kept going and it soon became relaxing and therapeutic.  

That is how I hope to make things work for me in the future - I will persevere ... until it becomes easier.  Not that the thing has changed, but that my ability to do so has.

(image from here)

When I tried to find that quote above I found these too.  They are all good, so I'm adding them as a gentle reminder.

(image from pinterest, but complete article from Elder Scott can be found here)

(image found here)

Well, here I "grow"  ...

Medical Week & BJo Address

Monday (15th) thru Friday (19th) Terry had Dacogen chemo infusions and each went well.

In addition to chemo, Tuesday (16th) and Friday (19th) were transfusions - each day with 2 units of red blood cells and 1 platelets.   Each of those went well too.

Terry has been hurting a lot lately and we hope that means something is working inside, but the blood work doesn't seem to give us that hope.  His labs actually show that things are worse (the Blasts are too high - but we don't really understand what a Blast count is enough to explain it to anyone), but they are not necessarily going to stay that way.  Dacogen is supposed to help bring the Blast count down (and help some of the other counts too) so we may still see some improvement.  So we hope and pray on ....

Even though the appointments went well, it has been a long and busy week for us, actually a long and busy couple of weeks.  Life is definitely happening around here.

When I left to do some shopping Friday afternoon I found that our left rear car tire was flat.  Oh Bother!  What was I to do?   I have never changed a flat tire before. Every once in awhile I wonder if I should learn, but I decide that I've lived this long without it then there may not be a need. 

Surprisingly I didn't feel too frantic, but I knew I couldn't change it.  I called up to Terry (still in the hospital room receiving his transfusions) and he suggested I get the Curby people to help me if they could.  Well, the Curby lady didn't know how to change a tire either so she got me the phone book and I called Les Schwab.  I had to wait almost an hour but they came and aired up my tire, then I drove a mile or so to their shop to have them fix it.  It all turned out just fine, except that I did not get all of my shopping done.  I'll have to do it next week. 

We've enjoyed hearing from BJo and she is enjoying her first week at school, though she is feeling like it's been a long and busy week too.   She has made some friends and enjoyed some classes and looks forward to more good times.  I'm sure she would love to hear from you if you'd like to write her:

BrittanyJo Hebdon
246 S. 1st W. Apt #203
Rexburg, ID 83440

As I was wondering what photo or image I could add to todays post I found this one from June.



BJo and Akleigh fun with glasses

Then I remembered I had one on my camera that I should add.  This was just a couple days ago when I was watching these two little guys for a couple minutes.

Sweet Stuff!

Patience

 

 

I follow Come, Follow Me and found this great message there.

 

 

Being Home ...

It's time for a new post isn't it?!?!?  I've been wanting to post something for awhile now, and just haven't done it.  Today is the day ..., and it's a long one.  I should do short posts more often, but it just didn't happen that way this time. 

I think things are beginning to feel a bit more "normal" around here.  It's kind of a new normal, but it's becoming a more comfortable place.  All of our stuff from Seattle is put away, but there is still much to do because I'm still focusing on things that need deep cleaned and organized.  I've been trying to do that for a few years now, so that is certainly normal for me.

I have accomplished a few things on the list, like cleaning the pantry and food storage areas.  That makes me feel good.  My biggest accomplishment last week was that I cleaned the pump house.  WOW!  I haven't done that in a long time, so that feels good.

I went to Moses Lake for the first time in over 6 months.  Another WOW!  It felt a bit strange, especially because I was alone.  I haven't done that much lately.  Just in case I was feeling a bit like I was missing Seattle, someone along the highway hung a 12th man flag from their home to make me feel better.  I assure you that I do feel at home, but as much as I don't miss Seattle, that flag did make me smile.   I went to pick up some medication for Terry.  I stopped at a few stores just to see if I could find something I'd like to buy and nothing seemed to call my name, except for the movie Frozen. 

 

 

(We'll be watching that tonight. I love the good in that movie and the family love that prevails. It's Fun!) 

 

I spent more on the medication than on other things combined that day.  That is a good thing too, because if I'm trying to clean and organize this place it's good not to bring other things in to the clutter.  I do feel like I'm having a hard time letting things go though.  I'm trying to create a Goodwill or yard sale box and it's not as easy as I hoped.  I need to be able to let go of things easier.  How do I do that? 

Medical needs are still number one around here, but they are also taking a back seat to other things.  That sounds like an oxymoron doesn't it.  I guess I just mean to say that it's getting easier trying to combine it all - in daily tasks and in my head. We are getting Terry's hydration (4 hour infusion) done daily and his medicines are getting taken regularly as well.  Some days it still feels tricky with some of the scheduling, but it's working okay.  It's nice to only have one appointment a week for a few weeks before starting the daily chemo treatments again.  Terry is feeling a little less nauseated now after being off chemo for a week.  We hope it lasts.  He still doesn't have a lot of energy, and wishes for more.  Oh!  The BK virus (urine infection) is gone - that is definitely a good thing.   He would love to be out with the guys more, but has only been able to spend a couple hours a few days with them and feels pretty wiped out afterward.  It's still good to be home and a part of the support system.

We were able to attend church meetings again Sunday and it was a lovely day.  By the end of Sacrament meeting the spirit was touching my heart and soul very strongly.  I was feeling grateful to be there for the third Sunday in a row since we moved back home.  Sunday School and Relief Society were also great meetings and by the end of RS my heart was overflowing with gratitude for the opportunity to be there and to feel of the spirit that was ever present that day, (and missed so many Sundays in Seattle - it was good to feel it).  If it's like the first transplant, it will take me a while to feel like I've picked up where I left off (spiritually), but it's good to feel it happening already.  I am so grateful for the gospel, for leaders and teachers and friends and family who teach and testify and serve to bless lives.  I feel blessed!  I am grateful for a loving Father in Heaven and for His Son, our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

I neglected to post about this last week - on our way home from Church last Sunday we were able to help a friend replace a flat tire. We were in our church clothes and they got a bit dirty, but we all agreed that it felt so good to be helpful and give of ourselves to help another. 

It wasn't long before a friend showed up to help us help another.  Serving and giving is a great thing in life. What a blessing it is to all involved. (BJO got these photos with her phone - maybe I need a new phone so I can take photos like this too. But then again, I don't need to be learning about a new phone right now.)

Being involved and  serving leads me to our missionary sons, Elders Connor and Chase...
We have received Chase's release date - June 25th - only three months from now.  We can tell with his letters that he is finishing strong.  He loves the area he is in and the people there.  We can feel that his testimony continues to be strengthened as he continues to serve.  He read the Book of Mormon from beginning to end through the month of January and is currently reading the Old Testament with plans to have it completed before he is released.

Connor is doing great as well.  He is just over his one year mark (end of Jan.) and is going strong.  He too is strengthening his testimony as he helps others.  He is training a new missionary that is older than he is and it's feeling a bit odd for him, but he loves the work and is anxiously engaged in a good cause.

It's been great to have the kids stop in on occasion and we love the hugs and attention from the grandkids.  It is awesome to see them at church across the way and get the sweet smiles and waves filled with love and then the hugs that follow.  We had family over Sunday evening and it was fun to be with them.

 

We look forward to more gatherings and visits from other family members through the next few months. We'll try to remember to get photos and post about those great moments yet to come.  Life is getting busier and busier with the upcoming events this year.  I hope I don't crash ..., but then ..., if I do it won't be the first time and I know from past experience that I will get up and dust myself off and get going again.  Much like little children that fall to the floor and jump up and go some more.  It happens all the time doesn't it! 

BrittanyJo has been helping with the little girls basketball each weekend and Anthony has begun tennis.  I'm hoping for some good weather to be outside and cleaning this week - it needs it.  But there is still enough to do in the house if not. 

Life is happening around us ... and LIFE IS GOOD!



A Report!

Good news - boxes are no longer stacked in the family room, and my stuff room is re-organized (as good as it can get before I finish scrapbooking and find a place for a few things being stuffed in there until they have a place of their own).

The pantries are re-organized, but the kitchen counter is still cluttered with medical supplies and I have not yet determined where I'm going to store them.  One thing I know for sure, is that I don't like them on the kitchen counter.   I'll get that figured out this week if things go well. 

There are a few boxes left to take care of in our bedroom, including a suit case I need to finish unpacking.  I have a lot of organizing to do in many other areas of the house, but I am excited for the challenge and look forward to each completion.

I had to take a break from the cleaning and organizing to figure out our tax info, and that seemed a bit challenging trying to find records.  When I am at home I have a place for those papers, but at Seattle things got a bit confusing ..., and bringing them home was even worse.   The good thing is that those things are now put in their proper place.  It just seemed a bit un-nerving to me at the time, trying to find the things I needed in the piles of things to put away.

Life is supposed to be getting normal for me, but this new normal is still a bit off and I hope to find it soon.  Day to day life is happening here.  I'm finding it tricky to get used to all this again.  Wow! 

Medicine changes are happening, which makes timing a bit easier, but we are still hydrating daily.  It is nice to have our 5 days of Vidaza infusions complete now.  No more trips to Wenatchee this week!   That ought to help our transition into our home life become a bit smoother.  Our next appointment is Tuesday.  We will have a weekly appointment to see the doctor and get blood work done.

Terry is feeling nauseated and icky, and lacking in energy/stamina.  Other than that, he is fine!  ;)

It was a no school day today so we took the kids to Wenatchee with us and did some much needed shopping for them.   We saw a couple 12 Flags in our travels today ..., reminding us of the sights and sounds of Seattle.   Anthony got some more driving time in, but the wind made it really tricky.  It not only blew us around, but it made visibility difficult (if not impossible) at times with the sand blowing across the road.  We made it home safely and were happy to be inside, away from the blistery day.  Ah, the comforts of life!   We are lucky!

We are BLESSED!


Well, I'm waiting up for BJo, so I think I'll find something constructive to do ....

SCCA sent us a box of supplies we have to put together and take to the clinic each week, so I guess that will be a good and quiet constructive activity for me till she gets home.

 

(the styrofoam boxes hold a vial)

 (one of everything!)

I will only do a few, because they take up more room when they are all put together - and then where would I store them all?  Oh Bother!

Weekend Report!

Our weekend was wonderful!  We enjoyed our time with family.  There was a new addition to our gathering - Michael and Tawnee have a puppy, named Ginger.  Auger had a few moments of fun with it. 

The little ones enjoy being together and I enjoy when they are together.   Here they are playing with the Duplo's and the empty Duplo bucket (on wheels).

 

 

We had some other guests too, not new to the family gathering, but visiting for the weekend, and different than any other weekend this last couple months.  Brandon and Megan and we all loved having them here - it didn't take long for the kids to really enjoy being around them.  Wish we could do this more often.  (I'm so sorry for the blurry photos, it's not a very good camera for movement, so it's tricky to get it right, but just look at the fun they are having.)

While we were together we decided it would be a great idea to have a Thanksgiving meal.  I didn't want to do too much for the décor because we weren't going to be home very long, making clean up a bit tricky with so little time.  I did however use the assorted china and goblets - a look I love.

 

It came time to say good-bye to Brandon and Megan - we will miss them until next time, but we are grateful for the time they spent with us this weekend.

I had almost forgotten to give Elsie her birthday gift, so I was happy when I remembered to do that before we left.  We won't be able to be here for her birthday later this week.  ;(  We gave her a blanket and a baby doll.

Elsie enjoyed her doll for a moment, but was very anxious to be up and going. She has such a sweet smile and we are anxious to watch her grow.  It was so fun to see some of the new little things she is doing (like climbing up into a children's rocking chair all by herself) and will be anxious to see her growth in a few more months.

We gave Akleigh a baby doll for Christmas, just like this one we gave Elsie, so Akleigh was worried that we had taken hers. We assured her that hers is at her house and this one is for Elsie.  She still loved and hugged it for a minute.  She loves babies.  It's so sweet to see her be so tender with them.

Tuesday morning came and it was time for us to travel back to Seattle.  There was rain, but it wasn't bad, and there was a lot of traffic when we got past Issaquah, but thankfully, we were able to get where we needed to be with some ease.   So we are back in Seattle again and anxious to get this transplant going strong.  It was a simple blood draw appointment that brought us back for the day, but each day gets us closer to T-day (transplant day). Our home visits are probably done for a few months so we are happy that this last one was such a good one.

More Fun with Family

After watching a Joanie Bartels video - The Rainy Day Adventure, the kids enjoyed their own adventure going around and through this "limbo box".  They had so much fun and we had a lot of fun watching them. 






Our weekend is over and we are heading back to Seattle.  It was good to be home to enjoy some of the normal day to day life without medical issues.  Oh wait, we still had those, and that's kinda normal too, but just being home was great!  After a week with a sore throat, and it getting worse daily, I (Elaine) went into the clinic Monday to find that I have a sinus infection.  I knew I needed to get in to the doctor so that I could start taking meds to clear it up if is was necessary, but I thought it would be more of a throat issue than a sinus issue.  Crazy huh!  Anyway, I'm on the meds ..., on the mend.   It seems that we must have all caught this bug, because most everyone of us has a sore throat or other problem. I suppose we will trickle into the doctor and get it all taken care of.  Maybe by next week we will all be healthy again.  HOPE!  PRAY!

Lastly, one of the normal happenings was that we heard and saw these planes going over the house.  This has been a normal occurrence for ..., well, ever since we've lived here, over 20 years now.  However, this is the first time we have seen 7 at one time.  Usually there are 2 or 3, and maybe we've seen 4 or 5 a time or two, but never this many, so it was kinda cool.  Sometimes they are so low it feels like you could reach up and touch them.  I always enjoy seeing them.