Justin is home- we had a wonderful day on saturday shopping and I was enchanted by this strawberry gold chocolate diamond ring. It was probably the most beautiful ring I've ever seen but I did not let Earl buy it for me. I almost did- I thought about it seriously but ugh it was so expensive and I couldn't do it. We need new carpet so I don't want to spend that much money on something just for me. We had dinner at our favorite place of course, OLIVE GARDEN.
Today I got to spend a little time alone with my daughter at her house- just a few minutes chatting but it was nice to get out of the house with her instead of her always staying home with Mom while I run errands. Jenna got new kids to watch this week- so she is very excited and happy about that and she still gets one day to herself with little miss Ki.
Mom is doing well- she is trying to speak more because I bug her constantly but she is trying. She is content and smiles most days now, which makes me content. I cannot do her hair though and I hate that. She always had her hair fixed so pretty (she pincurled it most times) and I asked her if she wanted me to try and pin curl it but she shakes her head. She doesn't like me brushing it either, but I remind her of all the times she pulled my hair out while brushing and she grins and shakes her head like she's saying I never did that! Let me tell you OH yes she did! She yanked and tugged til my head hurt but my hair always looked great! :)
I will have a busy week- getting ready for Thanksgiving. It will be the first year I will have to bake my own corn bread for the stuffing- Mom always made it for me. I have to do that tomorrow. I might make some custard too- hmm we will see. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
This first week of November
I've been so tired this week because of sickness. I had to go to the doctor and I had to get Mom to the doctor twice. They are still changing her meds, but things are getting better with her labs and they put her on a new medication to help her sleep- I think it's helping too much. She's been drowsy for two days- I will call the doctor on Monday to see if this is normal or if the dosage is too high.
I got to see my beautiful sweet nieces this morning- it made me so happy. I didn't realize how very much I missed them. Earl and I are hosting some kids tonight that are doing a play in Greensburg. Dead Serious about life. It should be good. It's a christian play about the things teens are going through right now and about suicide - with all the suicides that have been happening lately and the recent one in Greensburg I feel it's very timely.
I hope everyone is having a beautiful weekend. The sun is shining and NO SNOW! :) I couldn't believe it snowed some yesterday- didn't stick at all- but I have been enjoying this nice weather for a while now and though it is expected- the cold has brought a sharp shock to my system!
I got to see my beautiful sweet nieces this morning- it made me so happy. I didn't realize how very much I missed them. Earl and I are hosting some kids tonight that are doing a play in Greensburg. Dead Serious about life. It should be good. It's a christian play about the things teens are going through right now and about suicide - with all the suicides that have been happening lately and the recent one in Greensburg I feel it's very timely.
I hope everyone is having a beautiful weekend. The sun is shining and NO SNOW! :) I couldn't believe it snowed some yesterday- didn't stick at all- but I have been enjoying this nice weather for a while now and though it is expected- the cold has brought a sharp shock to my system!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Wedding Daze
"I'm getting married today!" Jenna Elizabeth Rowland June 12, 2010
I woke up before five that morning, and lay there exhausted. I thought about the day before, going to the reception hall, getting it decorated. Two of my sister in laws, my friends, Jenna's mother in law, we knocked it out in no time, and the lady helping us at the restaurant was terrific. It was beautiful, I couldn't wait to see it with the candles lit.
The rehearsal had went great, my aunt and uncle from North Carolina had made it with their grandson, our son Jamie and his bride Gifty were home. They were all asleep in the house, plus two of my nieces and Jenna were piled into one bedroom downstairs. We had sat up late last night, me Jenna Gifty on the bed, my nieces on the floor on a mattress and talked. I hugged on my daughter and kissed her head fifty times. Last night in the house as my little girl. It was a treasured time, can't really remember what we chatted about, probably the wedding and my future grandchildren, but I remember the feeling of family, of loving these people so much.
I kissed my husband and he stirred but didn't wake. I tiptoed out of the room and went into the kitchen to put on some coffee. I wasn't going to get anymore sleep. I saw our youngest son sprawled out on the couch in the upstairs living room and thought don't get married for a long time justin! And then I text my sister.
They had arrived late, just getting to the rehearsal dinner. They had wanted to be there earlier so the first time I saw Wilma we would have some privacy but it didn't work out that way. My worry evaporated when I saw her and she hugged me. It felt right, it felt good, here was another person to love. I cried just a little but we were off a bit away from everyone and we whispered a few words and I promised myself we would find some time this weekend to talk some.
That morning I typed "Are you awake?" to my sister who was staying with her mom and her husband, Gene in a hotel a mile away. A few minutes later answering text "Yes". I asked her if she wanted to go get some coffee, maybe breakfast at mcdonalds and told her I would pick her up in a few minutes.
That private time that morning with Vicki, before anyone stirred and the bustle of the day got ahead of us, that time just spent talking with my sister as we ate and drank coffee in a nearly deserted Mcdonalds, that hour just laughing and enjoying each other, that is one of my Many favorite memories of the day. It felt like a secret, everyone else asleep, the sky still dark. Sister time before it became about Mother and Daughter time, and of course Husband, Father, Family time!
It was pouring down the rain. Vicki and I went to Krogers before I dropped her off so could find some sparking grape juice for the wedding reception for the Bride and Groom, and then I headed home to wake everyone up.
Jenna, my nieces, Jenna's bridesmaids and I had hair appointments for eight that morning. Jenna couldn't find her garter so I took the girls and dropped them off at the beauty shop which was thankfully right by the church and headed to walmart which of course did not have a garter one. I called my sister in law Susie and she called and found me one at the Hallmark Shop and then I called Earl who went and got it. It was still pouring rain. I got back to my appointment and was rushing in and forgot to turn off my car engine. Angie peaked out a few minutes later and told me my car was still running.
"Rain on your weddng day is good luck." The hair stylist was telling Jenna as she looked at me and I shrugged. "How's that?" She asked, thinking of her hair and her dress I'm sure. "Well back in the old days in Indian Culture they tied a rope together to symbol the joining of two souls and if it was raining, it wet the rope and made the knot tighter, harder to break. So Rain meant luck." We didn't know if that was true, but it sounded good, and Angie kept saying it's going to stop, watch and see, it's going to stop.
And miracles of miracles it did stop. Our God is an awesome God. It stopped before we had to go out with our heads done up and we made it to the church without a speck of rain on us. Angie brought us donuts and then food for lunch. Our friend Janice got there early to start the make up and we spent the remaining few hours before the wedding getting prettied up and giggling like school children. I was nervous and my niece Kaycee who was the flower girl was hyper but it was all good.
I was ever so glad to see Earl when he got there early though.
Just his presence calms me - so a quick hug and kiss and I'm feeling pretty good.
And then my sister got there and I was feeling so blessed to have her there with us on that special day.
So it was almost time. Jenna was ready- Ben was peeking out the pastor study door-with a big smile ready to go...
Time to get this show on the road!
I woke up before five that morning, and lay there exhausted. I thought about the day before, going to the reception hall, getting it decorated. Two of my sister in laws, my friends, Jenna's mother in law, we knocked it out in no time, and the lady helping us at the restaurant was terrific. It was beautiful, I couldn't wait to see it with the candles lit.
The rehearsal had went great, my aunt and uncle from North Carolina had made it with their grandson, our son Jamie and his bride Gifty were home. They were all asleep in the house, plus two of my nieces and Jenna were piled into one bedroom downstairs. We had sat up late last night, me Jenna Gifty on the bed, my nieces on the floor on a mattress and talked. I hugged on my daughter and kissed her head fifty times. Last night in the house as my little girl. It was a treasured time, can't really remember what we chatted about, probably the wedding and my future grandchildren, but I remember the feeling of family, of loving these people so much.
I kissed my husband and he stirred but didn't wake. I tiptoed out of the room and went into the kitchen to put on some coffee. I wasn't going to get anymore sleep. I saw our youngest son sprawled out on the couch in the upstairs living room and thought don't get married for a long time justin! And then I text my sister.
They had arrived late, just getting to the rehearsal dinner. They had wanted to be there earlier so the first time I saw Wilma we would have some privacy but it didn't work out that way. My worry evaporated when I saw her and she hugged me. It felt right, it felt good, here was another person to love. I cried just a little but we were off a bit away from everyone and we whispered a few words and I promised myself we would find some time this weekend to talk some.
That morning I typed "Are you awake?" to my sister who was staying with her mom and her husband, Gene in a hotel a mile away. A few minutes later answering text "Yes". I asked her if she wanted to go get some coffee, maybe breakfast at mcdonalds and told her I would pick her up in a few minutes.
That private time that morning with Vicki, before anyone stirred and the bustle of the day got ahead of us, that time just spent talking with my sister as we ate and drank coffee in a nearly deserted Mcdonalds, that hour just laughing and enjoying each other, that is one of my Many favorite memories of the day. It felt like a secret, everyone else asleep, the sky still dark. Sister time before it became about Mother and Daughter time, and of course Husband, Father, Family time!
It was pouring down the rain. Vicki and I went to Krogers before I dropped her off so could find some sparking grape juice for the wedding reception for the Bride and Groom, and then I headed home to wake everyone up.
Jenna, my nieces, Jenna's bridesmaids and I had hair appointments for eight that morning. Jenna couldn't find her garter so I took the girls and dropped them off at the beauty shop which was thankfully right by the church and headed to walmart which of course did not have a garter one. I called my sister in law Susie and she called and found me one at the Hallmark Shop and then I called Earl who went and got it. It was still pouring rain. I got back to my appointment and was rushing in and forgot to turn off my car engine. Angie peaked out a few minutes later and told me my car was still running.
"Rain on your weddng day is good luck." The hair stylist was telling Jenna as she looked at me and I shrugged. "How's that?" She asked, thinking of her hair and her dress I'm sure. "Well back in the old days in Indian Culture they tied a rope together to symbol the joining of two souls and if it was raining, it wet the rope and made the knot tighter, harder to break. So Rain meant luck." We didn't know if that was true, but it sounded good, and Angie kept saying it's going to stop, watch and see, it's going to stop.
And miracles of miracles it did stop. Our God is an awesome God. It stopped before we had to go out with our heads done up and we made it to the church without a speck of rain on us. Angie brought us donuts and then food for lunch. Our friend Janice got there early to start the make up and we spent the remaining few hours before the wedding getting prettied up and giggling like school children. I was nervous and my niece Kaycee who was the flower girl was hyper but it was all good.
I was ever so glad to see Earl when he got there early though.
Just his presence calms me - so a quick hug and kiss and I'm feeling pretty good.
And then my sister got there and I was feeling so blessed to have her there with us on that special day.
So it was almost time. Jenna was ready- Ben was peeking out the pastor study door-with a big smile ready to go...
Time to get this show on the road!
October 30
I'm still here friends- I have not had a lot of time and get so sidetracked lately! November will soon be here- hard to believe- the holidays will be upon us! Will try and write more this week- I am getting ready to tell you about Jenna's wedding! Mom has been having multiple trips to doctor office to get her meds correct, hoping this all goes well. She is feeling fine- just a little sad lately- I think some of it has to do with the Month of October and it being the anniversary of my Father's death and they have changed her thyroid medicine which someone said could mess with your hormones- anyway have a meeting with doctor this week so praying that gets fixed! Talk soon I promise! :)
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Reversal
I peeked in on Mom this morning, and she was bundled up sleeping peacefully. I have two blankets on the bed, but she had kicked one off her feet so I covered her up, and touched her hair. I wondered how many times she had crept into my room in the mornings and covered me back up? It is different for me to be the caretaker when she was the one who had taken care of me for so long. How many times had she washed my face, my hands, my feet. Rubbed lotion on me and given me medicine? How many times did she feed me, cuddle me, kiss my head? Put drops in my eyes, cut my nails?
When you are thinking about having to do these things, before it becomes a necessity, you think that would be too hard, I don't think I could do it. But then you just do it. Without really thinking. It's something I learned from Mom. She would say, "You have no choice, just do it Diane." So I did, and I thank God she taught me to be strong, to handle the pressures and worries without letting them bog me down. "Don't worry about what other people think, their opinions don't matter. Do your best. Serve God. Do the right thing." Her words echo in my head at night when I'm wondering if I'm doing the best thing for her. I know I can't be responsible for her happiness, but I can make sure she feels loved. And that's all I'm really trying for.
When you are thinking about having to do these things, before it becomes a necessity, you think that would be too hard, I don't think I could do it. But then you just do it. Without really thinking. It's something I learned from Mom. She would say, "You have no choice, just do it Diane." So I did, and I thank God she taught me to be strong, to handle the pressures and worries without letting them bog me down. "Don't worry about what other people think, their opinions don't matter. Do your best. Serve God. Do the right thing." Her words echo in my head at night when I'm wondering if I'm doing the best thing for her. I know I can't be responsible for her happiness, but I can make sure she feels loved. And that's all I'm really trying for.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Interim
After getting home from Jamie's wedding we only had three weeks until our daughters, which was at our home church and reception in our town, lots of out of town guest and plans to be made. And Earl had to have gall bladder surgery in between there. The week before Jenna's wedding he had the surgery which thankfully went well and was out patient. Mom was also still in the nursing home, the doctor was wanting her to stay for more rehab, and since it was a crazy month I agreed though I didn't like it much, and neither did she.
Jenna and Ben were starting to get a little nervous. They had been wanting the date to rush up on them and suddenly it was here. We had few things left to do, so I was relieved about that. We had such wonderful friends that had helped, Angie and Kayla with the bridal shower earlier in the month that had gotten things kicked off well and really got Jenna in the mood!
And of course we had cake from a wonderful Local baker who also did Jenna's wedding cake
So now the countdown began, five days, three days and then suddenly it was the thursday before and we were at the church decorating. Ben's family had made it in from Missouri and were helping also. Our friends Angie, Kayla, Faye. Faye was doing the ribbons and bows and I had made some cones for the pews that were not hanging straight.
Jenna calls that night, the decorating night, my nervous break down. She's probably right, it kind of seems a blur to me now that I think on it, I was very frustrated with the hanging cones. Ha Ha
But the night ended and we had the reception hall to decorate the next day and the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner to look forward to. And as I tried to sleep that night I thought my daughter will only be here two more nights. I won't be getting her up in the mornings any more because she's such a sleepy head. I won't be walking in and looking at her beautiful face anymore every day. It was an exciting time for her, and for us, but I couldn't help but remember that quiet little girl who hid behind my legs, and held on to me for dear life. I was missing her, and wishing we could go back in time and I could kiss her pretty face once more or curl her hair up, but I couldn't, she was now a lovely grown woman....
Jenna and Ben were starting to get a little nervous. They had been wanting the date to rush up on them and suddenly it was here. We had few things left to do, so I was relieved about that. We had such wonderful friends that had helped, Angie and Kayla with the bridal shower earlier in the month that had gotten things kicked off well and really got Jenna in the mood!
And of course we had cake from a wonderful Local baker who also did Jenna's wedding cake
So now the countdown began, five days, three days and then suddenly it was the thursday before and we were at the church decorating. Ben's family had made it in from Missouri and were helping also. Our friends Angie, Kayla, Faye. Faye was doing the ribbons and bows and I had made some cones for the pews that were not hanging straight.
Jenna calls that night, the decorating night, my nervous break down. She's probably right, it kind of seems a blur to me now that I think on it, I was very frustrated with the hanging cones. Ha Ha
But the night ended and we had the reception hall to decorate the next day and the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner to look forward to. And as I tried to sleep that night I thought my daughter will only be here two more nights. I won't be getting her up in the mornings any more because she's such a sleepy head. I won't be walking in and looking at her beautiful face anymore every day. It was an exciting time for her, and for us, but I couldn't help but remember that quiet little girl who hid behind my legs, and held on to me for dear life. I was missing her, and wishing we could go back in time and I could kiss her pretty face once more or curl her hair up, but I couldn't, she was now a lovely grown woman....
and she could curl her own hair now :)
Soon she would be
the Bride.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Beautiful, Beautiful
Now there’s a joy inside I can’t contain
But even perfect days can end in rain
And though it’s pouring down
I see You through the clouds
Shining on my face
Like sunlight burning at midnight
Making my life something so
Beautiful, beautiful
Mercy reaching to save me
All that I need
You are so
Beautiful, beautiful
But even perfect days can end in rain
And though it’s pouring down
I see You through the clouds
Shining on my face
Like sunlight burning at midnight
Making my life something so
Beautiful, beautiful
Mercy reaching to save me
All that I need
You are so
Beautiful, beautiful
- I wanted to take a moment this morning and thank my Lord and Savior for his many blessings and love through all my life and for making my life so beautiful. There is nothing that I have accomplished without his hand upon me. I have nothing without him, and everything with him.
- It's a crisp fall day today bringing back memories of falling leaves, gathering them up and piling them up so the kids could run and jump in them. Remembering their laughter and the joy on their faces as they destroyed the perfect piles we had painstakingly made. Remembering them throwing the leaves at each other, Justin especially took great pleasure in throwing the leaves at his brother and sister. He couldn't hurt them but he could throw them as hard as he could. And Jenna with her little blonde curls throwing them up and lowering her head so they fell upon her and she would twirl and twirl. And Jamie trying to make something of them, fort, a hideaway, a castle and his imagination running away and suddenly he was a jedi, a knight or a cowboy, and Justin and Jenna were drawn into his story and they would play for hours until the leaves were spread all over the yard again and as they went in for their baths, their Dad would rake them up again and pile them in perfect piles so the next day they could do it all again if it didn't rain. I would make sure Earl had chili to eat and give him a hug and thank God for this beautiful fall and my beautiful family.
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