Everyday Life :)

Seth had an all night volleyball match from 8 PM – 8 AM to raise money for cancer. We are so proud of him!

Andrew is enjoying football practice. I worry about him with the heat index over 100 degrees.

Now Megan is sick. Please keep her in your prayers!

Ash is having fun fixing up a used car to transport himself to school, opening a checking account and looks forward to getting books next week. Seeing my baby responsible is endearing.

Mom is well and running circles around us as always working, spending time with friends and picking up the slack for me. I appreciate everything she does. It is a lot of fun living with her.

I am starting to feel better! Yesterday I made it without a nap or having to change clothes! Finally a light at the end of the tunnel, Praise God! I start my new job on Tuesday!

David enjoyed his night with Andrew. I don’t know what has gotten into him! It is nice to have my husband back! Really he is even different than when we met. There is a sparkle in his eyes that has me transfixed.

With not working steadily we have cut back on watering to save money. The garden is failing as a result. So much for making pickles this year!

The Chinch bug population in the front yard seems to have been contained and destroyed. Now we just have to put southern weed and feed on the bald spots. Since the whole yard had new sod in December it is killing me that it looks so straggly in spots. However I like having everyday problems rather than those from memory loss!

All is doing really well. Thank you for all of your prayers and may you all have a splendid weekend!

Blessings!

Fireproof

I was to go away this coming weekend to P3 as an angel but…I’m so frustrated. This has been planned since before Ash came to visit. I was looking forward to seeing my friends and having a great time away doing something nice for me however I need to be selfless and respect others health.

People come from all across the country, as well as internationally, to experience the release of stress and it is a blessing to be a part of it. I love assisting at P3 and it has been to long since I’ve been there.

I’m really getting worried. I need to be well to start this new job! The Doctor gave me a prescription yesterday for a cough medicine, a pill really, that is to help me from wetting myself every time I cough. Oy vey! Please pray for me!

David and I had a romantic night. We curled up on the couch and watched Fireproof with a little popcorn, diet soda and Kleenex. Ahhh, the pleasures of life!

The movie is touching. It is good to remember that anything worth having takes work and I tell the kids all the time, “The only time reward comes before work is in the dictionary!” Putting effort into our marriage is worth it.

I have to remind myself that just because David doesn’t remember doesn’t mean he doesn’t love me or care. It just means he does not remember. You would think by now I would have gotten the point. I guess I’m a slow learner or maybe just at times in denial.

David has been different though somehow this past week. He is being much more attentive, not being as short and really taking advantage of our time together to connect. I love it!

May God bless your socks off too!   :) 

Love Worth Fighting For

Well, I was offered a job in the retail-marketing department with a major theme park here in Central Florida! (The job I mentioned the other day that I was praying for.) Another dream job if you ask me! I’ll tell you more about it when I start which I told them could not be before next Tuesday. 

The Strep Throat and Bronchitis are wearing me down. I’m sleeping a lot more, being aloud to just focus on getting well and not looking for a job, but not soundly. I would hate to loose this job before it starts! 

David is doing all right. We have sweet conversations at night that are dear and meaningful and then the next day he forgets the content. It pains my heart. I’m starting to feel like I live in the movie 50 First Dates. (I wouldn’t mind living on a boat J) He is trying and spending a lot more time with me instead of sleeping. That is a good thing.

On Friday night we went to Ocala for the Love Worth Fighting For Conference with Kirk Cameron and Warren Barfield. It was astonishing! If it is coming to a town near you please go! It truly stimulated a new spark in David and I. The music, Bible study, listening to these men speak of their wives, movie clips from Fireproof…the whole night was electrified with God’s love, mercy and grace!

Sunday was our two-year anniversary. Only two years! We have lived through more in two years than most in a lifetime. He was so kind and romantic. I love my husband and have a tee-shirt that says so to prove it. J

The kids are going back to school in a few weeks. Ash decided against the Army and enrolled in college. He now wants to become a nurse. Megan will be in 12^th, Seth 11^th and Andrew 9^th grade. My, are they growing up fast! 

All is well. God is amazing and we are sincerely blessed! We pray the remainder of the summer goes well for all of you and that you may rest in the Son!

Blessings!

Being Lackadaisical Is Bad

Last Monday I was gathering my laptop to retire on the terrace when the computer slipped out of my hands and went splat on the tiled kitchen floor. I picked it up and it was dead.

The Genius at the Apple store advised me I needed a new hard drive. Luckily I have Apple Care that covers all problems I have with my Mac. Yeah me!

However the data cannot be retrieved. Not so good! All photos, writings, music…gone! The lesson learned is to hook up an external hard drive and back everything up. In the old days I did that very thing but in the past few years I slacked off and am now paying the consequence for my lackadaisical attitude.

The computer is now fixed and as you can see I’m back up to speed. I didn’t realize how dependent I am on this thing. From reading the news, checking movie times, you name it I do it on my computer. I really missed it for three days.

The moral of the story is back up your stuff on an external hard drive.

Blessings!

Antibiotics

I know it has been a while but nothing much has been going on. My sister and brother-in-law stayed for a week. We had a great time!

A few days later I fell ill with what Ben had. I waited a week to go to the Dr. thinking I could recover on my own. Well, that didn’t quite work out. By the time I surrendered a week to the day later I had a fairly mild case of Strep Throat.  Antibiotics, nasal inhaler and Allegra on board I was told I’d feel better in three to four days. 

That didn’t happen. Yesterday being the last day of antibiotics and feeling worst than I did 10 days before I trekked to the Dr.’s.  Now I have a really bad case of Strep and Bronchitis. The medication didn’t work. However the chest x-ray showed I don’t have pneumonia. Praise God!

You see, my problem is, I had MRSA about five years ago and was on IV antibiotics for six weeks in the hospital. Then when I had my breast reconstruction done two years ago I was cycling 10 days on 10 days off Vanco again for 4 months. (I had Ductal Carcinoma Insitu resulting in a double mastectomy in 1999 so the reconstruction was long over due)

Now my body is resistant to antibiotics. I do my best to stay away from people who are sick to keep me from having to go through this.  The Dr. is hoping that the drug he put me on yesterday will work. See now why my condition worsened and I’m now on 6 medications to kill this thing.

Needless to say I am exhausted. The good thing is God is in control. I am looking for a job so I can rest a lot and set my own schedule as far as interviews. David and Mom have been incredibly helpful. Praise God for family!

David is starting to emotionally wake up a bit and is slowly starting to heed the specialist’s advice. His sugars are so out of control that they want to put him on an insulin pump. I feel a bit sad over it. He has been spending more time with the children and I, which is much appreciated.

I had an amazing interview yesterday and am praying I get the job. Does God listen to stuff like that? My prayer, meditation and Bible time hasn’t suffered. My Father is in complete control. So all and all we are blessed and I can’t complain about a thing.

Blessings!

The House To Ourselves

What a lovely time we have been having with the in-laws.  Ben had been sick and in bed since he got here so Saturday was the first day they could go to Universal Studios.  I felt really sorry for the boy.  He’s now on the mend and ready to ride roller coaster till he turns green.  :)

I have been a bit sad with being laid off.  I know I am going back I just hope it is sooner rather than later. 

David has been very quiet.  I see him zoning out during conversations and it hurts my heart.  Sunday he was really angry and snippy.  It was just one of those days. 

Monday after one week including two days at Universal, the beach, a Shuttle launch and two trips to the doctor for Ben the family was off for Huntsville. 

Mac is going to sleep for a week.  

:)

Saturday we went to the beach.  Ash being an AZ baby didn’t want to put on sunscreen.  Now he has a blistering, literally, 2nd degree sunburn.  David bought a can of Solarcaine and two boxes of chamomile tea, which you brew and put in an ice bath, to take out the sting.  Ash reports both help.   

We were going to kayak on Sunday but Ash didn’t feel up to it.  David and George came over Sunday night and while Ash and George put up ceiling fans I cooked burgers on the grill. 

Ash feeling brave ventured out to Red Hot and Boom.  A fireworks show in Altamont Springs.  It pulled over 100,000 people this year.  He got home around 2 and slept in late Monday.

Happy 4^th to me we cleaned the house, pool and did enough laundry to supply a Wal-Mart.  :J) 

Larry, a co-worker of David, came over around 3 for dinner and we had a blast.  He is so much fun.  I really enjoyed having him over.

Then at 9:30 PM David’s sister, Jeanine, brother-in-law Matt and three kids, Rachel, Ben and Anna rolled in from Arkansas. 

Whew!  I feel like I run a B&B.  

Yesterday I took Ash to the airport at 4 AM.  I cried.  Being tired I came back home and slept but got up in time to reach work a half hour early.  I love my job as you know but when I saw the look in Amie’s eyes as she asked me to come into Stephens’s office I knew.  I was laid off. 

The reality is the sales person who was hired the same time I was hasn’t gotten a contract since he’s been there. No work means no work.  Teary-eyed Amie sat quiet as Stephen expressed it has nothing to do with my job performance and I’ll be back as soon as they can afford me.  That helped me feel better at least.  So today I’m going to wander the back lot and look for some old friends who are doing a few TV shows and see if they’ll take me on. 

God, as always, is in control.  So I’m not worried. In fact I’m excited to see how it is all going to turn out.  :)

Happy Birthday, Ash!

David and I took Ash out for his birthday dinner at a Japanese Steakhouse.  Much to his chagrin after the meal they sang happy birthday to him hitting a gong between phrases.  I thought it was hysterical but Ash, not so much.

Friday Mom took him to Downtown Disney and they sang to him in the candy shop.  If you ever get to the park for a special occasion you can ask any store with a landline to call Mickey’s office.  For birthdays Goofy talks to you while for weddings and anniversary’s Mickey has something special to say.  It’s all just part of the magic.

Friday was rough when half of the office left early for their fun filled long weekend.  I have worked the whole time Ash has been here since I took the time off for his graduation and the sinus infection.  So having three days to spend with my boy makes my heart sing. 

30th

You would think Thursday at the office would be as mundane as any other day.  Not so much.  It started off with 6 bottles of champagne and a bottle of orange juice for mimosas.  Then at one we went to Chuck E Cheeses for a 30^th birthday party for my COO.  We don’t have a conventional office.  So much for a video production office acting like a boring 9-5 business. 

Staying Out Of The Way

The last few days have been fun although tiring.  Tuesday morning after picking up David’s car I got a migraine.  So I was an hour late for work due to the need to sleep off the medication for two hours.

Tuesday night David, Ash and I went out for sushi and to CarMax to check out a Town and Country minivan we had seen online. It was nice and the trade-in in value of David’s car was more than we expected but we walked away not wanting a car payment since all of the cars we have are paid in full. 

It has been wonderful having Ash here.  He has a fun slightly warped sense of humor like I do so our banter is entertaining to say the least.

Work is awesome!  I put out a casting call and ad for a shooter this week and am now working on updating our video catalog.  This job is so much fun!  The people are amazing as well and it is a joy to go in every morning.  I am truly blessed!

David…well…he is not doing as told by the Doctors as much as I would like.  My solution this week, instead of getting upset and having a spirit of resentment, is to go to the gym, eat well, and dive into my bible reading and prayer time which allows me to be calmer and more accepting. 

There was a big blow up a few Saturdays ago about David and the kids doing chores.  It brought me to my breaking point.  I need help around the house. 

Mom has been doing much more than she should, Ash has been a great help since he arrived, plus Andrew does things as well and it helps take the pressure off of me. For that I am truly grateful.  Owning a house is a lot of work.  It would help if we acted like a team more often and everyone chipped in. 

The reality is God is in command and I just need to step out of the way.  The only person whom I can control or change is myself. 

Please pray for my sister-in-love who had surgery on her hand last week.  She is doing well but in a bit of pain.  For David that he might be inspired to do all the Doctors suggest and that I may stay calm and out of the way of the process.

Blessings!

It's All Good

Ash flew in last Tuesday night.  I am so excited to have him here! Every time I see him after an extended absence I cry.  This time was no exception.  My heart soars having my child so close!

As we stood at the baggage carousel he pointed at different pieces of luggage.  “Mine is dusty like that one, small like that one, fat like that one…wow someone really has a shiny silver bag like the Jetsons?”  We were having a good time.

I didn’t know Mac could play fetch in the pool until Wednesday.  Swimming and grabbing the ball at the same time…this dogs talents are endless. J

Over the weekend Ash was an angel at P3.  We went through as students years ago and it has made an impact on him as well as our family.  It is an amazing way to work through emotional pain and get back on track allowing me to be more present for my family and a loving servant towards them and God. 

Today we get David’s car out of the shop.  He drove it two weeks ago without water and it warped the head.  I was striking it up to his memory loss until I found out it is a male family trait.  His father and brother have done the same thing.  $2,600 later I guess I’ll be in charge of the cars from now on.  That is an expensive lesson to learn and one we really can’t afford.

I have been going to the gym and eating better for the last week.  I decided that I need to take better care of myself and that eating feelings is not making them better.  I also need to be an example for David.

He went to a Nuropsycologist yesterday.  He reiterated to David that he needs to make a list for daily activites, use a day planer, and take care of himself. 

When we were to the Neurologist a few weeks ago she stated she wants him to eat better, loose the weight, and go to a new Brain Fitness club.  For some reason unknown to me he is resisting the changes recommended by the specialist we have seen.  It hurts my heart. 

If his memory loss doesn’t slow the Neurologist is going to put him on an Alzheimer’s medication in August.  Which is frustrating since he isn’t implementing what all of the Dr.’s have told him so we truly don’t know how far down the scale he has gone.  It’s like he has given up.

All in all I can’t complain.  I feel blessed that our problems are slight and that I have a family to worry about.  God is amazing and in my daily Bible reading and prayer he shows me His peace and love.  Who could ask for more?

Blessings!

Here We Go Again

Thank you all for your patience while I took a break. The neurologist appointment was a bit rough. She would like David to go back to Brain Fitness Club to help give him coping skills with his memory loss issues. Implementing the use of note books and a dry erase board at home with his list of things to do like showering, brushing his teeth taking out the trash...will help both of our frustration levels and take some of the pressure off of me. Exercising and eating right is presumed to help as well.

The deal is, if after two months if these things don’t stop/slowdown/help the descending spiral then the neurologist is going to put him on an Alzheimer’s medication. So we are back to that.

Please pray for us.

Brain Fitness Club

(This post was originally posted 2/25/2011. It moved on it's own this morning, while I was looking at it in the edit section, to here. I'll figure this blog thing out sooner or later.) :)


Our neurologist told us about Brain Fitness Club held in Winter Park. David goes for 4 hours twice a week. He does math, puzzles, wears a pedometer, Thi Chi, foosball; anything that can help work his brain in a stimulating setting without pressure or judgment. It’s partnered with The University of Central Florida so they’re on a semester basis.

He receives homework to keep active.  With the move he hasn’t had a chance to get board. We talked about things he can do around the house and make a list but he forgets to check. That puts more on my plate but I chalk it up to being part of the new normal.

He gets mad if I start to do things that were placed on his list two days ago explaining we never talked about doing ______ and I need to rest more. I point him back to the list and he gets frustrated for forgetting but the new carpet needs to be vacuumed once a week and the bathrooms don’t clean themselves.

The “person” I feel the worst for is Mac. I come home and he hasn’t been left out all day. That’s a lot to ask when being played with and only being 17 lbs. It goes like this.

“He’s not God he doesn’t need to go out more than twice a day!”

“Of course he not God. If he were he would take himself out!”

Poor Mac. We think we are going to get him a friend this summer. His cat died two years ago. Another Jack Russell puppy would be fun, although I dread the potty training stage. 


Blessings!

LOL

So I have some pool stories for you. Mac loves to swim but he likes to do it under his own terms…usually…

David was swimming a while ago as Mac scampered and barked up a storm at the edge of the pool. It was filled to the brim. Consequently, as David went back and forth water sloshed out.

Well, a big wave came onto the deck and washed Mac into the pool. Boy, was he shocked! We patted the stairs and he finally found his way to safety.

Last weekend due to evaporation and the lack of rain I needed to fill the pool. As you might remember Mac loves flowing water. He jumps and bites at the watercourse every single time without fail. It is a sight to be seen.

To keep him as calm as possible I bent the hose after turning it on while dragging it along. As I let it go Mac jumped off the deck like Superman going after a bad guy and right into the deep end! 

It took him a second to pop up and he doggie paddled to no avail. I do give him credit for making it to the side where I pulled him out by the scruff of his neck and tail. He was most grateful.

Needles to say we don’t let him on the lanai without supervision. This place is never boring and the comic relief of a Jack Russell is always well received.

Blessings!

Back To The Neurologist

David felt concern about the Mother’s Day conversation last week. So we have an appointment with the Neurologist on Monday at 7:30 AM. I am hopeful they might be able to help.

Thank you all for your prayers. :) 

Jehovah-Shammah! Jehovah-Jireh!

Okay so this morning was filled with whine so here is some food for thought (cheese). God is amazing. I am grateful for my husband and the gift of being his helpmate. He is the best husband in the world and the one God wants me to have. I love my mom. She is the best mom ever.

So I get frustrated with God sometimes for letting this all fall apart. What kid doesn’t get mad at their parent? I know, I know, we live in a fallen world. At least I am in the same house with David and Mom and can keep a close eye on their needs and wants. At least God lets me throw my temper tantrum and still tucks me in at night. He is an awesome God. My Father. My…

Jehovah-Rohi...Psalm 23:1 "The Lord my shepherd"

Jehovah-Shammah...Ezekiel 48:35 "The Lord who is present"

Jehovah-Rapha...Exodus 15:26 "The Lord our healer"

Jehovah-Tsidkenu...Jeremiah 23:6 "The Lord our righteousness"

Jehovah-Jireh...Genesis 22:13-14 "The Lord will provide"

Jehovah-Shalom...Judges 6:24  "The Lord is peace"

El-Roi...Genesis 16:13  "The strong one who sees"

El-Olam...Isaiah 40:28-31 "The everlasting God"

Christ is my Foundation, Chief Shepard, Comforter, my Protector and Savior.

The Holy Spirit fills me with peace and knowing I’m never alone.

Without the Trinity I don’t know how I would exist. I am grateful. Please pray for all of us and forgive my mini meltdown. Thanks for listening and all of your kind words and prayers. J

I Feel...

Bless his heart, David’s memory is failing more and more each day. He is forgetting the simple things like to take a shower or bring in the trashcans and when reminded he gets angry. He is also forgetting if we agreed to pay a bill. I feel worried.

He cannot recall much at this point and I feel he is getting as bad as he was when he was taken out of work. If he doesn’t empty the dishwasher or take out the dog when reminded right away it doesn’t happen. The dishes aren’t a big deal but poor Mac…I feel concerned.

He is starting to “rest” (sleep) more again and not exercising as much. I feel perplexed. He told me he is going to call the Dr. and see what if anything can be done. For that I feel hopeful.

It breaks my heart to see my husband decline. I wish I had a magic wand to make everything better but I don’t.

Please pray for us. 

Memorial Day

What a beautiful day to reflect on the saying "Home of the free because of the brave." I awoke feeling a great sense of gratitude for all of the men and women who have died for our country and prayed for their families.

With my own son wanting to serve it moved my heart knowing that in months he might be in harms way. I am proud of Ash wanting to serve, as I’m sure all parents are but lately I have found myself praying in advance for his safety.

After planting some red, white and blue flowers on the front porch David and I placed an orange tree in the back yard near the garden promoting life in remembrance of those who have supplied freedom and peace on our soil.

The third time is the charm they always say so we replaced the dead blackberry and raspberry twigs with bushes that are 18” tall hoping they make it.

Over the weekend Andrew picked the first blueberries, tomatoes and peppers. Yummy. We are going to have more cucumbers than we can shake a stick at so if you have a good pickle recipe please send it to me. I have never made them before. J

After swimming with David and walking the treadmill I contracted a killer migraine so back to bed I went. I am praying today I make it going back to work for the first time in a week. When I’m out I fell quite guilty and miss being there.

Please join us in prayer for all those who serve in AmeriCorps, Coast Guard, the Armed Services and their families. They give us the opportunity to have fun and enjoy peace. We hope you had an amazing holiday with family and friends!

Rest

I’m still not feeling well. Thursday night when I came home I slept 10 hours only to get up for a Dr’s appointment Friday. I went for an oil change and was falling asleep at the station. So I came home and slept the rest of the morning and most of the afternoon venturing out only for groceries anticipating the kid’s arrival for the weekend.

Saturday my mom and I went out for a bit shopping. If you ever get to central Florida go to The Barn. It is a wonderful antique/gift shop in Lake Alfred 20 miles south of Disney. We had a blast. Then I took a nap. This sinus infection is kicking my behinds.

When I woke up I did a DIY. I put hooks on a board I bought and painted numbers and our initials to put above them to hang towels and bathing suits on. It looks pretty cool if I do say so myself.

While out my mom bought David a grill cover and told him it was an early Fathers Day gift. He loves it! He then asked when Mother’s Day is. Remember it was a few weeks ago? He didn’t. Mom and I recounted the day and it took awhile but he finally remembered. His memory is still spotty. It is hard to see the blank look on his face when he lacks recall.

Sunday was filled with church and relaxation. I painted a bookshelf that we have on the back porch for towels and toys for the pool to match the numbers above the hooks and doors. The matching baskets I bought the day before look sharp and are helping bring the lanai together. I love our home.

David and I played in the pool for a few hours and grilled. It was good to have a day alone with my husband where we enjoyed each other’s company being the kids were in Miami for the rest of the weekend.

Please join us in prayer for all of those with memory loss and those who take care of and love them.