(I started this post 2 weeks ago, then said thunderstorm took out the computer.)
It's a little after 3pm on Sunday. There's a load of clothes in the washer, one in the dryer, and about 3 in the baskets, waiting to be folded. Tandi, worn out by 5 days at the boarder's, is sprawled on the sofa, one eyeball occasionally following me about the room, but primarily snoring away. J-Man is sleeping in the recliner, his head propped on his right fist. I'll bet he'll be awakened by the pins-and-needles sensation soon. All the plants are finally watered, and of course, the summer afternoon rainshower has started, thunder rumbling and echoing around the mountains. It seems like a normal day, but it's surreal following an extraordinary week.
One week ago today, my nephew Garrett succumbed to complications from the injuries acquired in the April 27 tornados in Alabama. One week ago today, he left this earth to be with his wife Jennifer, and his brother Brandon, who also died 10 years ago this week. One week ago today, my other nephew became an only child, and his children became the only grandchildren my brother and sister-in-love will ever have. Odd to think of death in these terms.
Tues. Jack and I left for Birmingham, to stay with Frank and Janell for a few days. DD was already there, staying with the other nephew and his family. I was prepared to stay at a motel, giving my brother and his wife space to grieve, but they would have none of it. My sister-in-love should have been born under the sign of Cancer, not Leo, because she loves cooking for and tending to a house full of people. Hers is a back-door house, where only deliverymen ring the front doorbell. Everyone else enters through the kitchen, and close friends as well as family know where the spare key is kept.
The viewing was at the funeral home Wed. night, scheduled from 5-8 pm, with family coming a half hour early. When they opened the doors, the line was already down the hall, through the foyer, and out to the parking lot, and it was 9pm before everyone had come through and the doors were closed. Co-workers of Garrett and Jennifer came, as did co-workers of Frank and Janell, old friends, in-laws of family members; nurses who'd cared for Garrett came, and even the wife of the primary ICU physician left her 3-week-old infant to come and convey to my brother and his wife just how much Garrett and his family had meant to her husband. I got to meet Jennifer's parents for the first time, hugged family members I haven't seen in over 40 years, and saw friends from elementary school. It's different when you continue to live in the town where you grew up.
My brother, who has a wonderful voice, sang at yet another son's funeral. He sang the same song he did at Jennifer's funeral. I don't know how he did it. The chapel was standing room only. There was a brief graveside ceremony, with both Jennifer's parents and Garrett's parents releasing doves who joined a flock of others and flew home. Garrett was buried next to where Jenn had been buried 3 1/2 weeks before.
When we got back to the house, friends had already brought chicken, mac and cheese, slaw, baked beans, rolls--Southern food for sure. More friends came bringing more food, pizza, desserts, drinks. At one point, there were 6 little ones, ranging from 14 months to 6 years, a couple of teens, and 28 adults in the house. Guys clustered in front of the big screen TV and some sports event, women swapped birth stories and family gossip, babies were passed from one's hip to another's, barefooted kids ran the circle of rooms, and the kitchen table demographics shifted constantly. My sister's oldest girl had brought several family photo albums she found at her mom's, which prompted my sister-in-love to pull hers out. We laughed over big hair, sideburns, plaid tennis shoes ("Mom, why'd you let me wear those???), little girls in Easter dresses and little boys in short pants, Christmases past.
At one point, looking around at it all, my daughter dissolved in tears. "They should be here." She was right. It could have been any family gathering--Independence day, a birthday, Thanksgiving. It was a renewing of friendships, relationships, family ties.
In the midst of death, it was a celebration of Life.
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Saturday, June 04, 2011
Still Here
Well, it's been 3 1/2 days since we were told Garrett had only hours, at best 2 days, to live--and they underestimated. They underestimated the strength of Garrett's will and the Power of Prayer. On the facebook page "Prayers for Garrett Jones", there are over 5000 people signed up to pray at a specific time every night, and those are only the folks on FB. We have heard of prayer chains and church groups, and people who are not on the computer at all, but have heard of Garrett's plight and pray for him, his family, and the staff caring for him. It's miraculous in itself, and it's very humbling.
We aren't delusional; we know his condition is still critical, and his oxygen levels still dangerously low. Besides praying for him to survive, I also ask God that he not have brain damage, because to come through all this and then to spend the rest of his days in an adult diaper, being fed, would be too awful for words. So I pray for all that I want, because God knows what's in my heart, anyway.
Those who post on Facebook tell of their experiences of healing; how a 4-yr-old son survived the pediatric version of ARDS (Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome); how an 80-year-old parent survived it; how a young woman survived it and wrote to tell us. We've heard from a soldier in Kuwait and one in Afghanistan, and we pray for them in return. Survivors of the Joplin tornado have sent their prayers. It's an amazing experience. I invite you to go and check it out, and if you feel so led, "like" the page and add your prayers to ours. Because of the sheer volume of responses and comments, I am still posting the updates on the blog for Garrett, to make it easier to sort through. We've been told of Caring Bridge, but I can't see how that is any more informative or convenient than what we already have.
Neither Frank nor Janell have been back to work yet. So far, their jobs are still available for them, and I pray that continues. We have set up an account for Garrett's use, for medical costs, and for supplies he will need when he comes home, and checks have been sent for Frank and Janell's use, as they pay at least $6.00/day in parking, and usually eat at the cafeteria or various fast food places around. Frank said he really misses home-cooked meals right now, and that his buns are being permanently re-shaped by the waiting room chairs. Day after day, they go up there and sit for hours, and sometimes they don't go home at night. Their faith is tested; my brother was in tears when he called me at 4:30 the other morning, but he ends almost every post with "Expecting a Miracle".
My co-workers have been so understanding. Several have offered to work for me if I have to miss a shift, or if I feel like I need to leave. So far I've not had to take them up on it; I have my meltdowns at home. They've taken up money to send my brother, and some others, who signed their card only "from some folks who care", have also sent an envelope of cash for my family. The chaplains sent Garrett $50.00. I can't tell them all "thank you" enough, and it seems so inadequate.
I hope and pray that none of them, nor the 5000+ ever find themselves in a similar situation, but if they should, I hope they call on me for prayers and help. I have a huge debt to repay.
We aren't delusional; we know his condition is still critical, and his oxygen levels still dangerously low. Besides praying for him to survive, I also ask God that he not have brain damage, because to come through all this and then to spend the rest of his days in an adult diaper, being fed, would be too awful for words. So I pray for all that I want, because God knows what's in my heart, anyway.
Those who post on Facebook tell of their experiences of healing; how a 4-yr-old son survived the pediatric version of ARDS (Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome); how an 80-year-old parent survived it; how a young woman survived it and wrote to tell us. We've heard from a soldier in Kuwait and one in Afghanistan, and we pray for them in return. Survivors of the Joplin tornado have sent their prayers. It's an amazing experience. I invite you to go and check it out, and if you feel so led, "like" the page and add your prayers to ours. Because of the sheer volume of responses and comments, I am still posting the updates on the blog for Garrett, to make it easier to sort through. We've been told of Caring Bridge, but I can't see how that is any more informative or convenient than what we already have.
Neither Frank nor Janell have been back to work yet. So far, their jobs are still available for them, and I pray that continues. We have set up an account for Garrett's use, for medical costs, and for supplies he will need when he comes home, and checks have been sent for Frank and Janell's use, as they pay at least $6.00/day in parking, and usually eat at the cafeteria or various fast food places around. Frank said he really misses home-cooked meals right now, and that his buns are being permanently re-shaped by the waiting room chairs. Day after day, they go up there and sit for hours, and sometimes they don't go home at night. Their faith is tested; my brother was in tears when he called me at 4:30 the other morning, but he ends almost every post with "Expecting a Miracle".
My co-workers have been so understanding. Several have offered to work for me if I have to miss a shift, or if I feel like I need to leave. So far I've not had to take them up on it; I have my meltdowns at home. They've taken up money to send my brother, and some others, who signed their card only "from some folks who care", have also sent an envelope of cash for my family. The chaplains sent Garrett $50.00. I can't tell them all "thank you" enough, and it seems so inadequate.
I hope and pray that none of them, nor the 5000+ ever find themselves in a similar situation, but if they should, I hope they call on me for prayers and help. I have a huge debt to repay.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Roller Coaster
For over 4 days, Garrett was fairly stable, with no adverse events. Then the carbon dioxide level in his blood reached a critical level and something needed to be done. Since the doctors had not done a bronchoscopy to suction fluid out of his lungs since Thursday, they did a quick in-and-out at the bedside and were successful in removing a lot of junk. However, to do that, they must take him off the ventilator, and he did not tolerate the loss of pressure well. He was in crisis mode again, with medication to keep his blood pressure up and a temp of 103.5.
The doctors approached my brother and his wife about what they wanted done if Garrett should go into cardiac arrest. That is never a good sign. Basically, they said they are out of options; nothing more to offer at that point.
After talking about it, my brother and his wife and son decided the doctors could give whatever medications necessary, but they didn't want chest compressions or cardiac shocks. If his heart stopped, God could take him home, and though that's not what they wanted, they were at peace with it. Local family and friends gathered 'round to wait and pray, and the word was put out that we needed massive prayers. Again.
Late last evening the doctors decided to switch Garrett off the "pediatric" oscillating vent that keeps a continuous pressure and gives him 3 breaths/second and place him back on the original, traditional ventilator. He never does well with changes, and I don't think they expected him to survive it, but it was a last ditch effort.
Not only did Garrett survive the switch, he tolerated it without any setbacks, and this morning his carbon dioxide level, while still a little high, is no longer critical. His oxygen levels are still low, but his heart rate has slowed from the 140s to the 130s, and his fever dropped to 102.5. He is hanging onto the cliff by his fingernails, but he is still with us.
Prayer is a powerful thing.
The doctors approached my brother and his wife about what they wanted done if Garrett should go into cardiac arrest. That is never a good sign. Basically, they said they are out of options; nothing more to offer at that point.
After talking about it, my brother and his wife and son decided the doctors could give whatever medications necessary, but they didn't want chest compressions or cardiac shocks. If his heart stopped, God could take him home, and though that's not what they wanted, they were at peace with it. Local family and friends gathered 'round to wait and pray, and the word was put out that we needed massive prayers. Again.
Late last evening the doctors decided to switch Garrett off the "pediatric" oscillating vent that keeps a continuous pressure and gives him 3 breaths/second and place him back on the original, traditional ventilator. He never does well with changes, and I don't think they expected him to survive it, but it was a last ditch effort.
Not only did Garrett survive the switch, he tolerated it without any setbacks, and this morning his carbon dioxide level, while still a little high, is no longer critical. His oxygen levels are still low, but his heart rate has slowed from the 140s to the 130s, and his fever dropped to 102.5. He is hanging onto the cliff by his fingernails, but he is still with us.
Prayer is a powerful thing.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Marginally Better
Sometimes I find it so hard to be here, though I know there is really nothing much I can do in Alabama right now, except sit with family. It's just that getting information second-hand, from a non-medical person, is not very satisfying. I itch to be there to see him for myself, to ask questions, to read between the lines. I don't flash my RN around, but I do check his lines and drains and numbers. I can't help it; been a nurse too long.
Thursday, we thought for sure we would lose Garrett. But the prayers are working, because he's still hanging on. They decided to try something that they haven't had much success with--giving him nitrous oxide--because that helps oxygenate the cells better. For a while his levels were better, and then they dropped dangerously low again. So they switched him to a pediatric ventilator that gives him 3 breaths a second. Small miracles: there was only one of these not in use in that particular building (University Hospital covers 12 blocks in its entirety); there was a technician in-house, as well as a physician familiar with these particular ventilators; they were able to transition him to the new vent with only a minor drop in his levels. And then, the combination of the new vent and the nitrous oxide has been working. His lungs are functioning slightly better. They plan to leave him on this combo until Mon. or Tues., then possibly change him back to the other ventilator. For now, they are keeping him sedated and paralyzed to let the machine do its work.
The other big problem is the pneumonia/infection. He isn't responding to the 6 antibiotics they are giving him, though cultures show these are the correct antibiotics for the bacteria growing there. If they can't get this under control, it will undo all the progress they have made. So far, his vital signs remain stable, and his kidneys continue to function. We are grateful for small things, but worry about the pneumonia. Secretly, I worry what the lack of oxygen may have done to his brain, but I don't mention it to any of the family.
The nurses and doctors have been wonderful. Nurses call on their days off to see how he's doing--even the ones who haven't taken care of him. Doctors leave his bedside and go to the conference room to pray for guidance in caring for him--and this is not a faith-based hospital. We know the staff is doing their dead-level best to save him. I encouraged my brother to tape up some pictures of Garrett for everyone to see how he looks when he's healthy, because it helps to keep everyone focused on him as a person. So in addition to that, my sister-in-law brought in pictures of Garrett as a 3 lb 7oz preemie--and the staff is loving it! (Garrett is 6'4" now and weighed 285 when admitted.) One of the nurses who took care of him the other night was a guy he used to go to school with. We really are blessed to have such wonderful caregivers.
My brother and family have just about staked their claim on a certain area of the waiting room. They leave their stuff underneath the chairs, and no one bothers it when they aren't there. Those whose family members have "graduated" from Trauma ICU still come to check on Garrett's status and report on their own loved ones. Everyone rejoices when another one gets to be "promoted" or discharged, and give encouragement when someone takes a step backwards. It's a little community all its own, there in the waiting room. A community of draftees, not volunteers.
Thursday, we thought for sure we would lose Garrett. But the prayers are working, because he's still hanging on. They decided to try something that they haven't had much success with--giving him nitrous oxide--because that helps oxygenate the cells better. For a while his levels were better, and then they dropped dangerously low again. So they switched him to a pediatric ventilator that gives him 3 breaths a second. Small miracles: there was only one of these not in use in that particular building (University Hospital covers 12 blocks in its entirety); there was a technician in-house, as well as a physician familiar with these particular ventilators; they were able to transition him to the new vent with only a minor drop in his levels. And then, the combination of the new vent and the nitrous oxide has been working. His lungs are functioning slightly better. They plan to leave him on this combo until Mon. or Tues., then possibly change him back to the other ventilator. For now, they are keeping him sedated and paralyzed to let the machine do its work.
The other big problem is the pneumonia/infection. He isn't responding to the 6 antibiotics they are giving him, though cultures show these are the correct antibiotics for the bacteria growing there. If they can't get this under control, it will undo all the progress they have made. So far, his vital signs remain stable, and his kidneys continue to function. We are grateful for small things, but worry about the pneumonia. Secretly, I worry what the lack of oxygen may have done to his brain, but I don't mention it to any of the family.
The nurses and doctors have been wonderful. Nurses call on their days off to see how he's doing--even the ones who haven't taken care of him. Doctors leave his bedside and go to the conference room to pray for guidance in caring for him--and this is not a faith-based hospital. We know the staff is doing their dead-level best to save him. I encouraged my brother to tape up some pictures of Garrett for everyone to see how he looks when he's healthy, because it helps to keep everyone focused on him as a person. So in addition to that, my sister-in-law brought in pictures of Garrett as a 3 lb 7oz preemie--and the staff is loving it! (Garrett is 6'4" now and weighed 285 when admitted.) One of the nurses who took care of him the other night was a guy he used to go to school with. We really are blessed to have such wonderful caregivers.
My brother and family have just about staked their claim on a certain area of the waiting room. They leave their stuff underneath the chairs, and no one bothers it when they aren't there. Those whose family members have "graduated" from Trauma ICU still come to check on Garrett's status and report on their own loved ones. Everyone rejoices when another one gets to be "promoted" or discharged, and give encouragement when someone takes a step backwards. It's a little community all its own, there in the waiting room. A community of draftees, not volunteers.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Please....
Blogging friends, I'm going to ask a huge favor. If you're a praying person, please send prayers. If you believe in good thoughts, positive energy, whatever, please send them our way.
Some of you may know I come from Alabama originally. I have family in Birmingham, Cullman, Blountsville and Tuscaloosa. Most of them are okay after yesterday's tornados. Two are not.
Some of you may know I come from Alabama originally. I have family in Birmingham, Cullman, Blountsville and Tuscaloosa. Most of them are okay after yesterday's tornados. Two are not.
This is my nephew Garrett, and his bride of 8 months, Jennifer, taken on their honeymoon last August. Their house was leveled yesterday in the horrible tornado that ravaged Alabama. Garrett was found under a 5-foot pile of rubble approximately 100 yards from where his house used to be. He is alive, with a broken jaw, broken left wrist, broken left arm, slightly damaged spleen, bleeding around the kidneys, and a large gash in his right side. Right now he's on a ventilator at the University Hospital in Birmingham.
We don't know where Jennifer is.
When Kevin, Garrett's older brother, couldn't reach them by cell phone, he jumped in his car and went looking for them. He got there just as the first responders found Garrett, and helped them dig him out. They told Kevin there had been a female body nearby, no ID, and the body of a white bulldog in a cage, but they had already taken them to a staging area.
Garrett and Jennifer have a white English bulldog.
I've spoken with my brother, Garrett's dad, and Garrett will probably be all right, though he's not out of the woods yet. He doesn't know Jennifer's missing, and Frank doesn't know how to tell him. This is the same brother and sister-in-love who lost their oldest son to bone cancer at the age of 19--ten years ago this June. Janell also lost her mother 2 months ago.
Jennifer's dad has said if they call, he doesn't think he'll be able to go identify his little girl, so Frank will do it for him.
Frank and Janell have been through so much, and they loved Jennifer as a daughter. I can't believe they must go through this too.
So please, pray that Jennifer is found alive and well, and that Garrett heals completely. Miracles still happen everyday, and this family could use one. Please pray for strength for my brother and sister-in-love as they trudge through yet more tests of their faith.
I'll keep you posted.
Thanks, all.
Stephanie
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Labor Day Fun
Jack and I headed down to Alabama this weekend to see family--some of whom I've never laid eyes on, and some I haven't seen in 10 years or more. It was fantastic!
We couldn't all get together at the same time, which is probably a good thing, but we got to see all my nieces, nephews, in-laws and out-laws, grandnephews and my grandniece.
Here are some of my favorite pics from the weekend:
We couldn't all get together at the same time, which is probably a good thing, but we got to see all my nieces, nephews, in-laws and out-laws, grandnephews and my grandniece.
Here are some of my favorite pics from the weekend:
(This one's for you, Audrey!)
(The water was only 73 degrees, but we were all crazy enough to go in with our clothes on!)
(Well, not ALL of us. Some had good sense.)
There was a ton of food; we are Southerners after all. Got a couple of super simple, yummy dessert recipes from a niece. At least, I heard they were yummy. I didn't try any myself but dang it, I sure wanted to. Don't know if I can adapt them, but I'm hoping so. We got back this evening and I'm too tired to hunt them up right now, so I'll post them later in the week.
Hope you all had at least half as good a time as I did!
Monday, September 06, 2010
Smooching Babies
I've been smooching babies--back with pictures and a couple of recipes on Tues--maybe Wed.
Friday, October 09, 2009
Checking in
Hi, all,
Thanks for the good wishes and prayers. Just a brief note to fill you in. J-Man is in acute renal failure and liver failure and they aren't sure why. Some of the tests aren't showing anything definitive, and others can't be done because of wonky lab work. In addition, they found multiple blood clots in his affected leg (the paralyzed side).
It's all very complex and everyone is scratching his or her head about what to do. At this point, not knowing the cause, all they can do is treat the symptoms, but he remains puffed up like a blowfish. If you took a pin to his feet and legs, he'd spurt fluid everywhere. Hmmm, maybe I should suggest that....
But J-Man, being who he is, is in good spirits and usually has the staff chuckling before they leave the room. He and I are light and dark that way. As he puts it, he feels fine, but everyone tells him he's sick! I am glad he's not uncomfortable.
In addition, he's in my hospital, with some of my friends taking care of him--and me, too, bless their hearts. Since I work nights, there are many of the day therapists, staff, and various and sundry services I have never met or have only talked with over the phone. They don't know me, or that I'm a nurse, yet they treat him with compassion and patience and sincere good will. It makes me feel much more comfortable when I need to leave him, which isn't often.
DD is coming in tonight, so we are grateful for the long weekend, and her understanding co-workers. Her dad adores her, and I think she will feel better being able to see him for herself. My neighbor has allowed me to put Tandi in her fenced-in back yard so that Tandi doesn't have to spend hours and hours in her crate, and that has been wonderful.
We feel really blessed with family, friends, neighbors, and a wonderful staff of folks at the hospital, from the volunteers to housekeeping to ancillary services and the medical/nursing personnel. Though we have been on the other side of the chart more than once, each time I swap places I take away a new perspective on my own job.
Saturday at the movies is cancelled for this week. If we ever get to just watch the television in his room, I nod off anyway, and my brain is mush.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Thanks for the good wishes and prayers. Just a brief note to fill you in. J-Man is in acute renal failure and liver failure and they aren't sure why. Some of the tests aren't showing anything definitive, and others can't be done because of wonky lab work. In addition, they found multiple blood clots in his affected leg (the paralyzed side).
It's all very complex and everyone is scratching his or her head about what to do. At this point, not knowing the cause, all they can do is treat the symptoms, but he remains puffed up like a blowfish. If you took a pin to his feet and legs, he'd spurt fluid everywhere. Hmmm, maybe I should suggest that....
But J-Man, being who he is, is in good spirits and usually has the staff chuckling before they leave the room. He and I are light and dark that way. As he puts it, he feels fine, but everyone tells him he's sick! I am glad he's not uncomfortable.
In addition, he's in my hospital, with some of my friends taking care of him--and me, too, bless their hearts. Since I work nights, there are many of the day therapists, staff, and various and sundry services I have never met or have only talked with over the phone. They don't know me, or that I'm a nurse, yet they treat him with compassion and patience and sincere good will. It makes me feel much more comfortable when I need to leave him, which isn't often.
DD is coming in tonight, so we are grateful for the long weekend, and her understanding co-workers. Her dad adores her, and I think she will feel better being able to see him for herself. My neighbor has allowed me to put Tandi in her fenced-in back yard so that Tandi doesn't have to spend hours and hours in her crate, and that has been wonderful.
We feel really blessed with family, friends, neighbors, and a wonderful staff of folks at the hospital, from the volunteers to housekeeping to ancillary services and the medical/nursing personnel. Though we have been on the other side of the chart more than once, each time I swap places I take away a new perspective on my own job.
Saturday at the movies is cancelled for this week. If we ever get to just watch the television in his room, I nod off anyway, and my brain is mush.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Strays
Julie, from Through the Barn Door, is dealing with damages left from a "temporary" tenant in her guest house. That's her story, so I won't go into details, but an email exchange with her brought to mind all the folks who have lived with us over the years.
Abandoned by his parents, J-Man was raised by an aunt and uncle, until the uncle became so abusive, J-Man feared for his life. Friends took him in and he lived in their basement apartment for a while. He's always had a soft spot for people with nowhere to go. As a result, lots of friends and relatives over the years have lived with us for one reason or another. Some stories have ended well, some have not.
Shortly after J-Man and I got married, my 17-year-old brother was planning to leave home. He and my dad never did have a very good relationship, so J-Man and I invited him to live with us for several months, hoping things would blow over. All it did was cause a rift between my dad and me, and still my brother would sneak out the bedroom window at night. After several months, he decided living with us was no better than living at home, so he moved to the YMCA, which advanced his life lessons considerably. My dad forgave us, and though their relationship was still bumpy, he and my brother were on speaking terms again. I'm happy to say my brother married a great gal and fathered 3 boys of his own. I'm sure my dad is chuckling from his grave over that one.
J-Man's best friend also lived with us part of that time, sleeping on the living room sofa. It was only supposed to be a week or so, but I think he was there at least 3 months. Since he was the pianist where J-Man was the choir director, and we lived right behind the church, he found it very convenient, staying with us. Eventually, though, Jerry moved out and moved on. We heard from him less and less often, which is sometimes how it goes with college friends. About a year ago, we learned he'd had a heart transplant--and didn't survive. We hated to hear that. I always liked Jerry. He and his girlfriend were responsible for locating a Cabbage Patch Doll for DD's 6th Christmas, at a time when you couldn't get one for love or money. I think she still has that doll.
Then J-Man's sister came for a visit with her two kids and "decided" (after she got here) to leave her husband. He got mad, came from 4 states away to stand in the yard with a gun and threaten us all, and then they made up and ALL of them lived with us several more weeks. Later on, after her husband died, we took her and the kids (now teenagers and with a pre-school niece) and rented a big house that had been for sale for a couple of years. We combined incomes to pay the rent, tried to help her get back on her feet, drew up a budget for her, and paid off some of the rubber checks she had strewn around town. That lasted about 3 months, at which time she and the kids got tired of the financial restrictions and moved back in with her stepdad, leaving us responsible for a huge monthly rent and repairs for damaged property.
A couple of years afterwards, she and the kids got a big settlement for the husband's untimely death, and blew through it all in less than a year. Her son got in with the wrong crowd, got hold of some crack cocaine laced with household cleaner, and died a horrible death. The last we heard, his sister and her daughter were living in an apartment with no furniture, struggling to get by, but angy at us for not letting them have one of our cars. Some people are slow learners.
For a while, one of J-Man's brothers lived with us. He was a divorced dad, with custody of his daughter for the summer. It was nothing for him to disappear for a few days, leaving his daughter in our care. I never forgave him for taking off while we were on vacation and leaving our dog without food or water. She managed to get out of the fence and went searching for us, and was hit by a car. At last count, he was living in California somewhere, close to his daughter. I hope he spent more time with her.
In the late '90s, DD, ever her father's daughter, persuaded us to take in a friend for a few weeks til he could get on his feet financially, maybe get a second-hand car, and go to school. He stayed a year, bought himself a Sony PlayStation, DVD player, and other electronics, and skipped classes at the community college even when we drove him there. DD gave him grief for his attitude and behavior and finally kicked him out herself. She recently heard he has apparently mended his ways and is in law enforcement now. What a happy surprise.
So this is the kind of guy I married, a sweetheart with a penchant for taking in "strays". Right now, the only stray living with us has 4 legs.
Who knows if that will change? Or when? I just hope J-Man never does.
Abandoned by his parents, J-Man was raised by an aunt and uncle, until the uncle became so abusive, J-Man feared for his life. Friends took him in and he lived in their basement apartment for a while. He's always had a soft spot for people with nowhere to go. As a result, lots of friends and relatives over the years have lived with us for one reason or another. Some stories have ended well, some have not.
Shortly after J-Man and I got married, my 17-year-old brother was planning to leave home. He and my dad never did have a very good relationship, so J-Man and I invited him to live with us for several months, hoping things would blow over. All it did was cause a rift between my dad and me, and still my brother would sneak out the bedroom window at night. After several months, he decided living with us was no better than living at home, so he moved to the YMCA, which advanced his life lessons considerably. My dad forgave us, and though their relationship was still bumpy, he and my brother were on speaking terms again. I'm happy to say my brother married a great gal and fathered 3 boys of his own. I'm sure my dad is chuckling from his grave over that one.
J-Man's best friend also lived with us part of that time, sleeping on the living room sofa. It was only supposed to be a week or so, but I think he was there at least 3 months. Since he was the pianist where J-Man was the choir director, and we lived right behind the church, he found it very convenient, staying with us. Eventually, though, Jerry moved out and moved on. We heard from him less and less often, which is sometimes how it goes with college friends. About a year ago, we learned he'd had a heart transplant--and didn't survive. We hated to hear that. I always liked Jerry. He and his girlfriend were responsible for locating a Cabbage Patch Doll for DD's 6th Christmas, at a time when you couldn't get one for love or money. I think she still has that doll.
Then J-Man's sister came for a visit with her two kids and "decided" (after she got here) to leave her husband. He got mad, came from 4 states away to stand in the yard with a gun and threaten us all, and then they made up and ALL of them lived with us several more weeks. Later on, after her husband died, we took her and the kids (now teenagers and with a pre-school niece) and rented a big house that had been for sale for a couple of years. We combined incomes to pay the rent, tried to help her get back on her feet, drew up a budget for her, and paid off some of the rubber checks she had strewn around town. That lasted about 3 months, at which time she and the kids got tired of the financial restrictions and moved back in with her stepdad, leaving us responsible for a huge monthly rent and repairs for damaged property.
A couple of years afterwards, she and the kids got a big settlement for the husband's untimely death, and blew through it all in less than a year. Her son got in with the wrong crowd, got hold of some crack cocaine laced with household cleaner, and died a horrible death. The last we heard, his sister and her daughter were living in an apartment with no furniture, struggling to get by, but angy at us for not letting them have one of our cars. Some people are slow learners.
For a while, one of J-Man's brothers lived with us. He was a divorced dad, with custody of his daughter for the summer. It was nothing for him to disappear for a few days, leaving his daughter in our care. I never forgave him for taking off while we were on vacation and leaving our dog without food or water. She managed to get out of the fence and went searching for us, and was hit by a car. At last count, he was living in California somewhere, close to his daughter. I hope he spent more time with her.
In the late '90s, DD, ever her father's daughter, persuaded us to take in a friend for a few weeks til he could get on his feet financially, maybe get a second-hand car, and go to school. He stayed a year, bought himself a Sony PlayStation, DVD player, and other electronics, and skipped classes at the community college even when we drove him there. DD gave him grief for his attitude and behavior and finally kicked him out herself. She recently heard he has apparently mended his ways and is in law enforcement now. What a happy surprise.
So this is the kind of guy I married, a sweetheart with a penchant for taking in "strays". Right now, the only stray living with us has 4 legs.
Who knows if that will change? Or when? I just hope J-Man never does.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Listening to the Quiet
It's after 10pm here and the house feels larger but emptier now. For the last couple of days we've had 5 adults, 2 dogs and a baby in the place and it's been noisy and chaotic and fun.
Wed. afternoon, J-Man woke me to tell me I was being put on call and didn't have to get up yet. Good thing, as my alarm had been buzzing for 20 minutes and I hadn't heard a thing. But then DD came in about 15 minutes later, and I was too excited to go back to sleep. Isabella had to model her new Christmas sweater:
After supper, J-Man went to bed and DD and I participated in a long-standing Christmas Eve tradition: wrapping presents. I had more to do than she, so I was up til 1am before collapsing into bed, still not finished.
The phone rang at 2am. Of course. I got called in.
As it turns out, 2 of the 3 admissions ER was promising us were cancelled, so they really could have made it without me, but who knew? So I finished wrapping when I got home and then we unwrapped them all again 5 hours later.
Tandi got yet another ball, and guarded it carefully, unwilling to share more with Isabella than she had to:
She didn't like sharing her moose either:
J-Man and I went a little overboard on DD this year, but when you only have one, and she's working her heart out--that's what you do.
We tried for a low-clutter Christmas this year, since she is in such a tiny apartment. Beside gift cards, and a few wearables, we bought her a Kindle from Amazon so she can read to her heart's content without trying to find more room to store books. She was totally surprised and thrilled.
DD and J-Man conspired and bought me a purple iPod with my name engraved on it! Now, I'm sure most of you are yawning over this one, but, unlike J-Man, I'm not constantly panting after the newest electronic toys. (Remember the 20-yr-old Bernina? And the 8-yr-old computer we finally replaced?) But it's been fun trying to figure it out, and in a week I'm sure I'll be wondering how I ever did without one!
That night and the next morning I busted my butt cleaning out the sewing room for brother and his wife--and their 8-month-old grandson. He was such a hoot! He loved Isabella--thought she might be good enough to eat:
Looks mighty pleased with himself, doesn't he?
Isabella had to howl about it, egged on by my SIL, of course:
This little man only took power naps--20-30 minute sleeps and that was after fighting it for at least 15 minutes. But he was so good-natured you couldn't be upset with him.
Do you think the grandparents doted on him just a bit?
Then again, so did DD; after all, they have practically the same color hair:
We ate, we laughed, we shopped a little, we ate some more, we played with the baby and pulled the dogs apart when jealousy got the best of them, and now it's all over til next year.
I pulled out the 11 quilting magazines I haven't had time to read yet, but didn't even thumb through them. It's awfully quiet here now. I think I can hear my thoughts echoing.
There'll be time enough to put the rooms back together later. For now, I want to remember these past few days.
Sleep tight tonight, baby boy.
Wed. afternoon, J-Man woke me to tell me I was being put on call and didn't have to get up yet. Good thing, as my alarm had been buzzing for 20 minutes and I hadn't heard a thing. But then DD came in about 15 minutes later, and I was too excited to go back to sleep. Isabella had to model her new Christmas sweater:
After supper, J-Man went to bed and DD and I participated in a long-standing Christmas Eve tradition: wrapping presents. I had more to do than she, so I was up til 1am before collapsing into bed, still not finished.
The phone rang at 2am. Of course. I got called in.
As it turns out, 2 of the 3 admissions ER was promising us were cancelled, so they really could have made it without me, but who knew? So I finished wrapping when I got home and then we unwrapped them all again 5 hours later.
Tandi got yet another ball, and guarded it carefully, unwilling to share more with Isabella than she had to:
She didn't like sharing her moose either:
J-Man and I went a little overboard on DD this year, but when you only have one, and she's working her heart out--that's what you do.
We tried for a low-clutter Christmas this year, since she is in such a tiny apartment. Beside gift cards, and a few wearables, we bought her a Kindle from Amazon so she can read to her heart's content without trying to find more room to store books. She was totally surprised and thrilled.
DD and J-Man conspired and bought me a purple iPod with my name engraved on it! Now, I'm sure most of you are yawning over this one, but, unlike J-Man, I'm not constantly panting after the newest electronic toys. (Remember the 20-yr-old Bernina? And the 8-yr-old computer we finally replaced?) But it's been fun trying to figure it out, and in a week I'm sure I'll be wondering how I ever did without one!
That night and the next morning I busted my butt cleaning out the sewing room for brother and his wife--and their 8-month-old grandson. He was such a hoot! He loved Isabella--thought she might be good enough to eat:
Looks mighty pleased with himself, doesn't he?
Isabella had to howl about it, egged on by my SIL, of course:
This little man only took power naps--20-30 minute sleeps and that was after fighting it for at least 15 minutes. But he was so good-natured you couldn't be upset with him.
Do you think the grandparents doted on him just a bit?
Then again, so did DD; after all, they have practically the same color hair:
We ate, we laughed, we shopped a little, we ate some more, we played with the baby and pulled the dogs apart when jealousy got the best of them, and now it's all over til next year.
I pulled out the 11 quilting magazines I haven't had time to read yet, but didn't even thumb through them. It's awfully quiet here now. I think I can hear my thoughts echoing.
There'll be time enough to put the rooms back together later. For now, I want to remember these past few days.
Sleep tight tonight, baby boy.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Birthday
Thanks to all who stopped by yesterday to wish me a happy birthday! And it was, too!
(Don't forget you can go leave a comment on yesterday's post to get a chance on the birthday/upcoming 200th post/cleaning-out-the-craft-room giveaway.)
I really didn't have much planned for yesterday. Just having some time off from work was enough for me. And look what came in the mail for me yesterday from DD:
She doesn't read my blog, so didn't know I'd just mentioned wanting a Norah Jones CD, but does scan my wish list on Amazon.com. Don't you just love sites that provide wish lists? It makes shopping easier for friends and family and the recipient gets something he or she doesn't want to exchange!
DD turned 30 on the 11th of July, but had to cancel her trip down to see us the weekend of the 4th, as she was desperately seeking housing in a new town and hadn't found anything yet. In fact, she had called us in tears, asking if we could take her little Bella for a while, because no one wanted to rent to a gal with 2 cats and an indoor dog. Of course, we would, as Isabella and Tandi get along pretty well, and we didn't want her to have to find Bella a new home.
DD had been hunting for places for a while, but since it is a University town, and school starts next month, affordable housing is at a premium. I asked if she had put her own ad on craigslist, which she hadn't thought of, so she promptly did just that. (Imagine! Mom might have something there!) Someone who needed to break her lease contacted my daughter and now DD has a place to move into next weekend. AND, she gets to keep all 3 pets without paying an outrageous amount. Sweet.
As a pleasant result, we were able to arrange to meet for dinner last night in a city between us, a little less than 2 hours from here. The three of us sat around for 2 hours, eating and visiting and enjoying our time together. It's been Feb. since she was here, and her new town will be over 6 hours away from us instead of the 2.5 hours it has been. She's got her own life, and is looking forward to her new job as an attorney, but as she was talking animatedly about the apartment and moving plans, I couldn't help wishing she was going to be just a bit closer. Or that she had found a 2-bedroom so we could come stay with her now and then.
Well. That's why hotels exist, isn't it?
On the way home, I popped the Stephen King audio into the CD player to help me stay awake, because I am a person who can fall asleep in the car 5 minutes after pulling out of our driveway. And it was my turn at the wheel. Driving through the mountains late at night, I was getting delicious goosebumps listening to Mare Winningham read the story of a gal trapped by a psychotic killer.
A rest stop just over the state line offered the opportunity to get out and walk around in the cool night air and grab a cappucino. Just as I was getting back into the car, I heard a series of short barks that ended with howling sounds, coming from the woods up the hill behind the rest stop. That cappucino almost didn't make it back to the car with me! They could have been wild dogs instead of the wolves or coyotes I assumed they were, but there was something decidedly unfriendly out there. J-man assured me they wouldn't come into the light, but I wanted a substantial barrier between them and me all the same. Just in case he was wrong, you know.
It was a wonderful birthday.
(Don't forget you can go leave a comment on yesterday's post to get a chance on the birthday/upcoming 200th post/cleaning-out-the-craft-room giveaway.)
I really didn't have much planned for yesterday. Just having some time off from work was enough for me. And look what came in the mail for me yesterday from DD:
She doesn't read my blog, so didn't know I'd just mentioned wanting a Norah Jones CD, but does scan my wish list on Amazon.com. Don't you just love sites that provide wish lists? It makes shopping easier for friends and family and the recipient gets something he or she doesn't want to exchange!
DD turned 30 on the 11th of July, but had to cancel her trip down to see us the weekend of the 4th, as she was desperately seeking housing in a new town and hadn't found anything yet. In fact, she had called us in tears, asking if we could take her little Bella for a while, because no one wanted to rent to a gal with 2 cats and an indoor dog. Of course, we would, as Isabella and Tandi get along pretty well, and we didn't want her to have to find Bella a new home.
DD had been hunting for places for a while, but since it is a University town, and school starts next month, affordable housing is at a premium. I asked if she had put her own ad on craigslist, which she hadn't thought of, so she promptly did just that. (Imagine! Mom might have something there!) Someone who needed to break her lease contacted my daughter and now DD has a place to move into next weekend. AND, she gets to keep all 3 pets without paying an outrageous amount. Sweet.
As a pleasant result, we were able to arrange to meet for dinner last night in a city between us, a little less than 2 hours from here. The three of us sat around for 2 hours, eating and visiting and enjoying our time together. It's been Feb. since she was here, and her new town will be over 6 hours away from us instead of the 2.5 hours it has been. She's got her own life, and is looking forward to her new job as an attorney, but as she was talking animatedly about the apartment and moving plans, I couldn't help wishing she was going to be just a bit closer. Or that she had found a 2-bedroom so we could come stay with her now and then.
Well. That's why hotels exist, isn't it?
On the way home, I popped the Stephen King audio into the CD player to help me stay awake, because I am a person who can fall asleep in the car 5 minutes after pulling out of our driveway. And it was my turn at the wheel. Driving through the mountains late at night, I was getting delicious goosebumps listening to Mare Winningham read the story of a gal trapped by a psychotic killer.
A rest stop just over the state line offered the opportunity to get out and walk around in the cool night air and grab a cappucino. Just as I was getting back into the car, I heard a series of short barks that ended with howling sounds, coming from the woods up the hill behind the rest stop. That cappucino almost didn't make it back to the car with me! They could have been wild dogs instead of the wolves or coyotes I assumed they were, but there was something decidedly unfriendly out there. J-man assured me they wouldn't come into the light, but I wanted a substantial barrier between them and me all the same. Just in case he was wrong, you know.
It was a wonderful birthday.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
My Sponsored Daughters
This past week I got my newest sponsorship package. I've just finished filling out the folder for her, with a current photo and our information and tucked in a couple of coloring book pages for her.
So I thought I'd share these photos of my two girls:
On the left is Dalia, now 15 years old, from a family of 6, living in El Salvador. She's learning to do hair, and maybe will learn dressmaking. She's not attending school, since her mother pulled her out (I don't know why), but the Compassion Center is doing their best to teach her a trade, a way to provide for herself.
On the right is Aduri, 8 years old, from Bangladesh, who waited for over 6 months for a sponsor. Workers in her village earn up to $22/month. I can make more than that in an hour. How could I not send $32 each month to help support her and her family of 6?
I am their only sponsor. I send them letters and stickers and photos and postcards, and they send me about 3 letters/year. They know my name, I know theirs. It is a relationship.
If you haven't been over to Compassion's website to look at those beautiful faces, please take some time to do so, and see if you can find it in your heart and in your wallet to make a difference in a family's life. These people don't have access to health care, to free birth control, to food stamps or government assistance. They are fortunate if they have electricity and clean water. And if you can't sponsor a child right now, consider a donation to one of their programs: Their unsponsored child program, which helps care for children waiting to be sponsored, or maybe their Child Survivor Program, which teaches mothers prenatal care, and how to treat dehydration, etc.
THey have a program for AIDS victims, and one to treat/prevent malaria, and a program for assisting victims of the earthquake in Peru.
There are so many ways we can make a difference in this world, that sometimes we can get overwhelmed. This is one of the ways I have chosen to give back some of what I have been given. I also like to donate to USO for our troops, and Habitat for Humanity, because they don't just give houses away, they empower people to change their own lives.
THere are so many worthwhile causes out there. How do you choose who gets your assistance? What are your soft spots? Your favorite charities? Maybe some of you are looking for worthy projects or programs to help. I'd love to hear all your input!
So I thought I'd share these photos of my two girls:
On the left is Dalia, now 15 years old, from a family of 6, living in El Salvador. She's learning to do hair, and maybe will learn dressmaking. She's not attending school, since her mother pulled her out (I don't know why), but the Compassion Center is doing their best to teach her a trade, a way to provide for herself.
On the right is Aduri, 8 years old, from Bangladesh, who waited for over 6 months for a sponsor. Workers in her village earn up to $22/month. I can make more than that in an hour. How could I not send $32 each month to help support her and her family of 6?
I am their only sponsor. I send them letters and stickers and photos and postcards, and they send me about 3 letters/year. They know my name, I know theirs. It is a relationship.
If you haven't been over to Compassion's website to look at those beautiful faces, please take some time to do so, and see if you can find it in your heart and in your wallet to make a difference in a family's life. These people don't have access to health care, to free birth control, to food stamps or government assistance. They are fortunate if they have electricity and clean water. And if you can't sponsor a child right now, consider a donation to one of their programs: Their unsponsored child program, which helps care for children waiting to be sponsored, or maybe their Child Survivor Program, which teaches mothers prenatal care, and how to treat dehydration, etc.
THey have a program for AIDS victims, and one to treat/prevent malaria, and a program for assisting victims of the earthquake in Peru.
There are so many ways we can make a difference in this world, that sometimes we can get overwhelmed. This is one of the ways I have chosen to give back some of what I have been given. I also like to donate to USO for our troops, and Habitat for Humanity, because they don't just give houses away, they empower people to change their own lives.
THere are so many worthwhile causes out there. How do you choose who gets your assistance? What are your soft spots? Your favorite charities? Maybe some of you are looking for worthy projects or programs to help. I'd love to hear all your input!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL!!!
Feels like ages since I've posted, but it's only been a week. After working the 25th, 26th and 27th, I was bushed and slept most of the day Friday. BUT, as my brother and sister-in-law were driving up from Alabama to spend the weekend, I spent most of Friday evening clearing out the sewing room so I could put up the inflatable queen-sized mattress. There are some exceptions, but the majority of fabric that is NOT on my bookshelves ended up on the back porch.
Other items are in the guest room, which, unfortunately, only holds a double bed.
Saturday we took them to lunch at a Chinese buffet, then to Main Street to wander through some fun shops. While there, we bought a game Apples to Apples and stayed up til after midnight playing it. What a fun game! If you haven't played it, you have to find a way. I will never think of cockroaches in the same way ever again! lol
My SIL, who loves old hurricane/kerosene/oil lamps as much as I do, bought four at one of our local antique shops and was able to find one of them listed in my books. It's a sewing lamp, larger and heavier than most old lamps, and very appropriate, as SIL is a genius with a sewing machine.
They also found a wonderful handmade wooden rocking horse for their grandchild-to-be at a great store in a nearby town, O.P. Taylor's. There are no digital games in this store, just good old-fashioned games to stimulate the imagination. Seems my nephew and his wife are having a baby in June! It'll be the first grandchild for my brother and SIL, and as SIL's brothers and sisters all have boys, also, everyone's hoping for a girl. We should know something next month.
ANd, oh, my brother brought his famous ambrosia--the 7th large jar he made this year! My dad used to make this for New Year's and it's heaven in a jar, for sure. There is maybe one bowl left in the fridge, and the J-Man and I are both eyeing it. I think I'll beat him to the punch and divide it up into two containers before we come to blows!
I think I cooked more this weekend than I have in a while. I steamed the last of the tamales and we had those with chicken enchilada casserole and spinach enchiladas like our family had on Chistmas one night. For breakfast one morning, we had ziploc omelets with toast and bacon, and this morning we had an easy breakfast casserole with some tangerine sections on the side. I found the recipe in a Pampered Chef cookbook I bought at a yard sale:
Denver Egg Strata
6 eggs
1 3/4 C milk
1/2 tsp prepared mustard
1/4 tsp salt
ground pepper to taste
6 slices bread, cubed
1 C (4 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 C cubed ham
1/2 C chopped onion
1/2 C chopped green bell pepper
In large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, mustard, salt and black pepper. Stir in bread, cheese, ham, onion, and bell pepper. Pour mixture into greased 9' baking pan or glass dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight. When ready to cook, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake, uncovered, 1 hour or until set in center and golden brown.
Makes 5-6 servings.
They had planned to leave yesterday morning, but as I don't have to go back to work until Wed. night, they decided to stay one more night. We grilled steaks indoors with baked potatos and salad, and watched the ball drop--AFTER the Auburn/Clemson game.It almost took all weekend, but Tandi finally warmed up to the two of them. My brother fed her bits of bacon and the remainder of the scrambled eggs one morning, and scratched her ears every chance he got. My SIL snuggled her and scratched her ears, too, winning Tandi's affections, UNTIL last night when SIL flopped one of Tandi's long, curly ears over the top of her head like a toupee. I think Tandi's expression speaks for itself:
Tandi might not miss them much, but the house sure seems empty right now. It's almost enough to make me want to move back to Alabama. Almost.
Hope you all are having a wonderful start to this New Year.
Other items are in the guest room, which, unfortunately, only holds a double bed.
Saturday we took them to lunch at a Chinese buffet, then to Main Street to wander through some fun shops. While there, we bought a game Apples to Apples and stayed up til after midnight playing it. What a fun game! If you haven't played it, you have to find a way. I will never think of cockroaches in the same way ever again! lol
My SIL, who loves old hurricane/kerosene/oil lamps as much as I do, bought four at one of our local antique shops and was able to find one of them listed in my books. It's a sewing lamp, larger and heavier than most old lamps, and very appropriate, as SIL is a genius with a sewing machine.
They also found a wonderful handmade wooden rocking horse for their grandchild-to-be at a great store in a nearby town, O.P. Taylor's. There are no digital games in this store, just good old-fashioned games to stimulate the imagination. Seems my nephew and his wife are having a baby in June! It'll be the first grandchild for my brother and SIL, and as SIL's brothers and sisters all have boys, also, everyone's hoping for a girl. We should know something next month.
ANd, oh, my brother brought his famous ambrosia--the 7th large jar he made this year! My dad used to make this for New Year's and it's heaven in a jar, for sure. There is maybe one bowl left in the fridge, and the J-Man and I are both eyeing it. I think I'll beat him to the punch and divide it up into two containers before we come to blows!
I think I cooked more this weekend than I have in a while. I steamed the last of the tamales and we had those with chicken enchilada casserole and spinach enchiladas like our family had on Chistmas one night. For breakfast one morning, we had ziploc omelets with toast and bacon, and this morning we had an easy breakfast casserole with some tangerine sections on the side. I found the recipe in a Pampered Chef cookbook I bought at a yard sale:
Denver Egg Strata
6 eggs
1 3/4 C milk
1/2 tsp prepared mustard
1/4 tsp salt
ground pepper to taste
6 slices bread, cubed
1 C (4 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 C cubed ham
1/2 C chopped onion
1/2 C chopped green bell pepper
In large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, mustard, salt and black pepper. Stir in bread, cheese, ham, onion, and bell pepper. Pour mixture into greased 9' baking pan or glass dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight. When ready to cook, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake, uncovered, 1 hour or until set in center and golden brown.
Makes 5-6 servings.
They had planned to leave yesterday morning, but as I don't have to go back to work until Wed. night, they decided to stay one more night. We grilled steaks indoors with baked potatos and salad, and watched the ball drop--AFTER the Auburn/Clemson game.It almost took all weekend, but Tandi finally warmed up to the two of them. My brother fed her bits of bacon and the remainder of the scrambled eggs one morning, and scratched her ears every chance he got. My SIL snuggled her and scratched her ears, too, winning Tandi's affections, UNTIL last night when SIL flopped one of Tandi's long, curly ears over the top of her head like a toupee. I think Tandi's expression speaks for itself:
Tandi might not miss them much, but the house sure seems empty right now. It's almost enough to make me want to move back to Alabama. Almost.
Hope you all are having a wonderful start to this New Year.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Can you hear the reindeer?
I think I told you once that my parents didn't raise us to believe in Santa Claus. That doesn't mean they didn't enjoy Christmas trees and traditions. I can remember them getting the tree and lights and everything all ready in the morning before waking us up to come see Christmas. Yep, they woke US up. Then one of them would get the camera ready and the other would open the door into the living room and we would have to stand there trying to hold delighted smiles on our faces while Daddy got the camera all focused and everybody just so. That's hard to do when you're a kid.
As we got older, and there were more of us (4 kids total), it was harder to usher us all to bed so the parents could put out Christmas and get to sleep at a decent hour. But still we were not allowed to see the presents until both of them had a chance to get up, get to the bathroom (I can appreciate that all the more these days), and go turn on the tree lights so they could see our faces as we found our gifts.
I remember once, when I was about 15 and my sister was 7, my parents bringing stuff up the steps into the house from who knows where. Apparently other parents were out doing the same thing, because I heard my dad call out "Are those reindeer I see over there?" and my mom shushing him as muffled laughter wafted on the night air.
This little pinecone is from their first Christmas tree, as is the paper angel at the top of my site. Since I was born one year to the day after their marriage, it was the only Christmas tree for years that covered no gifts for sleepy-eyed children .
Now it's December 24th, though we will be celebrating Christmas today. The stockings are all loaded and ready,
including the dog's.
Decorations are out (well, most of them)
and the gifts are under the tree.
Time for parents to slide under warm blankets for a little while....
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Feeling down
Well, the tree is up, the last of the Christmas cards went out yesterday, outside lights are done, 95% of the inside lights are done, and extra gifts are done (for the mailman, co-workers, and unexpected recipients, etc.) I still haven't wrapped any gifts, but that won't take too long. And no baking got done, but that's okay, too.
Now DD might not be able to get home for Christmas. It's a touchy subject around here. I had several suggestions, but she is feeling insecure and views my attempts to help as an indicator of her "child" status. So she might not come home if she can't figure it out all by herself. Which is all well and good, except it affects our Christmas, too and, not being a parent, she cannot understand how this hurts.
How can you separate feelings about Christmas from feelings about your family? As I unwrapped ornaments, so many memories came flooding back, as they do every year.
I made this ornament watching "The Gathering" in 1977, when I was 2 months pregnant with DD:
Here are the first "dressy" shoes she wore as a one-year-old:
Here she is at 3, with my sister's oldest daughter, and my brother's oldest son--who died of cancer several years ago when he was 19.
Before he died, we made a cross-country drive to be with him and our other family members. Even though DD had gotten angry and moved out of the house, she went with us. It was a long trip, and when we got home, we didn't see her for weeks, but we made it back for Brandon. See what I mean about the memories? One leads to another, and some are wonderful, but some hurt.
She made this one for me when she was 6 years old:
Here is one of the pasta ornaments she and I made one year:
And one year, we gave each other identical ornaments--and didn't know it til we unwrapped them!
Even if she makes it home this Christmas, things will be different. I understand that, I accept that, but that doesn't make it hurt less.
Sorry this has become a downer. I promise tomorrow will be brighter. Thanks for listening.
Now DD might not be able to get home for Christmas. It's a touchy subject around here. I had several suggestions, but she is feeling insecure and views my attempts to help as an indicator of her "child" status. So she might not come home if she can't figure it out all by herself. Which is all well and good, except it affects our Christmas, too and, not being a parent, she cannot understand how this hurts.
How can you separate feelings about Christmas from feelings about your family? As I unwrapped ornaments, so many memories came flooding back, as they do every year.
I made this ornament watching "The Gathering" in 1977, when I was 2 months pregnant with DD:
Here are the first "dressy" shoes she wore as a one-year-old:
Here she is at 3, with my sister's oldest daughter, and my brother's oldest son--who died of cancer several years ago when he was 19.
Before he died, we made a cross-country drive to be with him and our other family members. Even though DD had gotten angry and moved out of the house, she went with us. It was a long trip, and when we got home, we didn't see her for weeks, but we made it back for Brandon. See what I mean about the memories? One leads to another, and some are wonderful, but some hurt.
She made this one for me when she was 6 years old:
Here is one of the pasta ornaments she and I made one year:
And one year, we gave each other identical ornaments--and didn't know it til we unwrapped them!
Even if she makes it home this Christmas, things will be different. I understand that, I accept that, but that doesn't make it hurt less.
Sorry this has become a downer. I promise tomorrow will be brighter. Thanks for listening.
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