a beautiful day

after i wrote that pitiful blog last night, i got up and took two ibuprofens and a hormone pill and slept til 8:45. went to the gym with hannah, worked out hard, sat in the sauna, showered, and came home. just finished vacuuming and shari and the boys and then emily arrived! we exchanged gifts--fun! and laughed and visited. then the whole crew walked to chipotle for burritos then rock star and rogers. played a short game of quelf in which scott had to be a pirate, joel had to keep his elbow on the board, and leah had to quack each time a card was drawn. emily stayed after shari left and i took a nap with the pups. i have been sitting around all evening still feeling a bit peaked but satisfied after a beautiful day. even sqeezed in a quick trip to the library!

thoughts and feelings

i'm lying in bed trying to sleep because I don't feel well and I am feeling weird, unraveled. i'm completely out of my routine and I like routine. I don't know when to be sleepy or hungry or what to be in the mood to do. I don't even have a good book in the house to read! I ought to be really blissful that all the kids are home but instead I feel a strange mixture of mostly sadness that the time they are here is winding down and I will soon need to say goodbye again. I also just finished a very depressing novel. My dad is having stints put in his heart tomorrow and we drove all day to go see him for a short meal. my sister in law is coming tomorrow and I want to see her but I don't know what to feed everyone or what we will do. visit. we will visit. my mom wants to see the kids but now she has to drive here because she didn't feel well enough for us to pick her up today. Then one day til hannah flies off and leah drives off. I wish they'd at least leave one at a time. why can;t i just feel happy that they are here and happy that they are happy? I feel like poo poo--my head and stomach hurt. I need sleep but I can't sleep. I want to go work out but my foot hurts. erg. will I feel better when I get back into my routine again, go back to work? what will i do with myself this weekend after the girls leave? Lord, help me, I'm a mess.

Freeze Frame 11:30 a.m. Christmas Eve

Joel is still asleep, unfortunately he is sick. Hopefully when he wakes up he will feel much better! Hannah has started a new project of sorting through all the CD's, putting them in their cases, etc. She is a tiny bit crabby, taking suggestions as "harassment". Scott is in rare form--fake gas, strange sounds AND randomly singing tidbits of old songs. Leah is on he computer. The dogs are cuddly. No one has showered. We are sucking down coffee with hazelnut creamer at an alarming rate and occasionally popping a blueberry pancake even though all the plates are dirty. The doorbell rings and its Pam and Sarah come to visit--the only people I do not feel mortified in front of that I haven't even brushed my teeth yet. Its all good, very good.

The kids home for Christmas

I can’t possibly summarize or put into words what it means to me to have the kids home so I’ll just try to capture a moment in time. I am having such a great day so I will capture this moment. I got up this morning having gotten a good night sleep despite Leah coming home around 12:30 and Joel’s friends all coming over around that time. Hannah had stayed home for the evening so she was excited to have company. I could hear her voice over all the others. I finally got up and read for awhile and just basked in the lovely noise of kids in the house. I went up to Joel’s room and gathered about 50 pop cans and gaterade bottles and took it out to the curb with the rest of the recycling(am I the only person in the world who recycles in the middle of the night?). This morning I woke to a quiet house about 9 and cuddled with Rex uninterrupted by Professor who slept upstairs with the girls. The house was perfectly quiet so I had my quiet time (watch Joyce Meyer and wrote in my prayer journal). I got up and did some laundry and dishwashing. Having the kids home does mean more work but that is temporary. I went back to bed and finished the book I am reading which I didn’t love but liked ok and it was loooong—Katherine Neville The Eight. Now Hannah is awake and she’s sitting in the chair across from me on Leah’s computer. Today’s plans include eating leftover homemade pizza from last night that the girls and I made, getting Adelle for a few hours and then gravity class at the gym. I’m so excited about that! Hannah and Joel have tickets to the ksu game tonight so that blows our plans for Chipotle. Scott is at the fire department today then he’s off til after the first. Leah will get up next and the girls and I will sit around and chat and drink coffee probably til time to get Adelle. What a great day! Here are some photos including one of Adelle helping make cookies before the kids came home. (The house was perfect--lights up, tree up, theme wrapped shiny gifts, clean, fridge and cupboards stuffed to brimming with the kids' favorite foods and treats to eat). It also includes a crazy face contest Hannah challenged us to--I won with Rex as runner up although Hannah posted a few really good ones herself.

MP3

I have been waiting about 6 weeks to give Adelle her birthday present, an MP3 player loaded with the music she likes, country music. I got it quite a while ago and then a few weeks ago Mary at work helped me load it with all kinds of country music. Adelle loves 104.7 and sings it in the car. "Volume up!" she says. We can only talk during commercials. All this from the back seat, of course. I had asked Rosie, Adelle's mom about it and she said Adelle has been asking for one. Adelle has been talking about her friend at school who let's her listen to her ipod. So yesterday, I brought Adelle over to the house and gave her the present. She unwrapped it and asked what it was. I told her. She put it down and was ready to go downstairs to get on the computer. I told her no so she picked up the remote and we watched her favorite show, "Around the Horn." I tried again to encourage her to try the ipod, even turned it on and showed her that George Strait was playing. She took it from me and put it down and was ready to go out to eat. She stood by the door and said, "I don't think I will take it to school." At dinner I asked if she was disappointed that it wasn't an ipod. She said, "No, an ipod is an MP3 player." She did grab it when she got out of the car at home. Her mom was baffled too. Go figure! Who can predict this young lady? No one!

Cool

Yesterday I did some unique Christmas shopping at a ranch! A few weeks ago while at the coffee shop, Scott and I were admiring these amazing crossed that were displayed as artwork on the walls. So I called the gal to find out how to purchase some as gifts and she gave me directions to her ranch. She has built a tiny art studio/studio apartment out in the country. She has a barn where she boards horses and gives riding lessons. The building is sort of like the one on Shari's property but smaller and she had it decorated into a cool one room apartment and art studio. These crosses are sooo cool but I can't describe them right now because SOME of you (won't mention who) MAY be getting one for Christmas.

Funny

I don't know why this tickled my funny so badly,but last night I was tossing and turning in bed and Professor was sleeping soundly in the far corner of the bottom of the bed. At one point, I turned over and stretched my leg out and caught him hard with the side of my foot and launched him about 2-3 feet in the air and to the floor. I immediately got up and looked down and he was looking at me with the funniest look on his face. He was fine but it took me forever to quite GIGGLING and get back to sleep! I am still giggling as I write this.

Thanksgiving etc

I am so blessed to have such a long Thanksgiving weekend. Leah got home Tuesday night. I love spending time with Lele. We ordered pizza (too much). Wednesday I slept in til 9! We did some last minute things to the house and went shopping all about town--the usual spots--walmart, target and even hobby lobby! We got scrapbooking stuff for scott's soccer season and some supplies for Leah to make a mosaic breakfast tray for me for Christmas:). At target I got a cream color fleece and matching down vest:) Wednesday night we went to Chipoltle, Scott too. This is our all time favorite place to eat. It feels like home. Thanksgiving I started cooking about 10 and the guests arrived around noon--my dad and Jean, my mom, and all the griffiths--dave, ronnie, jon, tim and hannah, jc and ryan. We all ate too much chips and cheese dip and the boys all went to the old stadium to play catch while we did the last minute cooking. I just made all the basics--turkey (baked in a bag stuffed with fruits and veggies--so tender), mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potatoe casserole, and stuffing. Mom brought cranberry salad, ronnie brought rolls and pop, and jeanie brought pecan and pumpkin pies. Everyone left by 6! It was good to see everyone and spend some time with them. I missed Hannah and Joel. Hannah stayed in Laramie to work on an art project that is due soon and her roommate Lucas' parents fixed dinner. Joel went with a friend to his house in Huntington beach. After the family left, Leah and I took her old ceramics out and smashed them into small peices for the mosaic. It was fun! I'll bet the neighbors wondered what we were up to. Today Leah and I went for coffee and I bought Scotty an electric blanket and took it to him at work. I also took the rest of the pumpkin pie to him. I had leftover Thanksgiving for breakfast and dinner. Good thing I got up this morning and went to an hour and a half exercise class--step, power chisel and yoga! Awesome! Today was even complete with a long nap! And I have two more days of weekend yet to go!

KSU bsektball, Temple Grandin, and Adele

This week on Monday, I got to hear Temple Grandin speak. She's a 63 year old famous, successful woman who has autism. She lectures on what it is like to have autism as well as her field of study, animal handling. We got to ask her questions for two hours! I learned so much that I am already applying to the kids I work with at school and to my time with Adelle.
I had Adelle's mom help me talk Adelle into going with me to a Women's basektball game. I had asked her last time we got together if she wanted to go and she said, "No, let's just do the around the house stuff." Temple Grandin said that people with autism need to be pushed outside thier comfort zone, not to the point of overload or panic, but encouraged to do new things and not just the solitary activities that they prefer. So Rosie said she talked Adelle into going to the first half. I know that Adelle loves sports so I thought she might like to go watch them. She hated the JC soccer game I took her to this season which surprised me. I also know that Adelle is a pattern thinker and loves to look at numbers and charts so I had her bring a notebook.
Well, Adelle liked the game. At first, she kept asking if she could PLAY, not watch. She wanted to go shoot some baskets while the team was warming up but got her out notebook and wrote down the starting lineup. Keeping track of points and fouls kept her entertained for quite a while. She watched the game, too, and asked some good questions. Then she got out another peice of paper and listed a bunch of classmates, I think she was assigning them to all star teams. We made it to halftime and to te promised hotdogs. We had quite a snack of pizza, hot dogs and slushies. The only thing that upset Adelle was when one of our players helped the other team up off the court. Adelle said, "What! Why is the player helping the enemy up?" I explained that they aren't enemies, but opponents who have respect for each other and that that is good sportsmanship. I also had to explain to Adelle how to say, "excuse me" and wait instead of just climbing over people to get out of the row.
Adelle did super at the grocery store. I had reminded her the two rules before we went in, "Don't touch anything you aren't going to pay for" and "you must stay where I can see you." The first rule was from Temple Grandin and took care of the problem we had last week when Adelle picked up some tic tacs and helped herself to one then put it back. Today Adelle was perfectly appropriate, pushed the cart carefully, shook hands with the people I knew that we stopped to talk to, and didn't do anything she shouldn't. She didn't even ask for anything! She did ask if we could just hang out at the house next week (and have ice cream).

My Doggies

You should read "The Art of Racing in the Rain." Its a great book. Ever since I've read it, I have been more convinced than ever that dogs understand exactly what we are saying. Yesterday was proof again. I was explaining to Rex that we were taking Professor to see Leah and leaving him home. I didn't want him to feel bad so I was telling him that Professor would have to ride in the car for a really long time and wait in the car while we ate and shopped. While I was saying all this, Professor ran and hid under the couch and I had to drag him out when it was time to go! I wasn't completely honest with Rex, though, because Professor had a wonderful time. I don't remember if I blogged about this before, but another time that proved that they understand english was when Leah gave Rex this little cat toy that was a small, squeaky mouse. Rex was obsessed with this mouse. He kept it with him and played with it, squeaked it, licked it, cuddled it, etc, for about 36 hours straight when I realized it was way too small for him and he was going to choke on it. I waited for an opportunity and when he left it for a second to get a drink of water, I took it and hid it on top the fridge. He came back in the room and madly searched for it everywhere. I called him over to me and explained to him that I'd taken it away because it was too small. He looked at me, barked furiously at me a few times, then stopped looking for the toy, and layed down dejectedly. Proof.
Rex and Professor like to sleep with me. If you've ever owned a Shih Tzu, you know that they prefer to sleep near feet. When its cold out, one sleeps strtched out cuddling my shins and the other, my calves (I sleep on my side). Friday night when I couldn't sleep, I read my book for awhile. Rex got annoyed and came over and hit the book with his paw. When that didn't work, he laid down on my face so I couldn't see the book. Last night, Rex started scratching and it was shaking the bed. Normally, if I lieft my head up, both dogs pop their heads up to look back at me. So I looked at Rex and he looked back. Professor was upside down with all four paws spread out and his head tilted back and he didn't even open his eyes to see what was up. I told Rex to follow Professor's example and go to sleep. He hopped over the pillow and Professor and curled in a ball on my chest and laid his head on my chest. I rubbed his ears for awhile and we went to sleep. He didn't stay there long but it was sweet. I love my little doggies.

Visit to Leah

Another great visit to Leah. She'd convinced us to come and Scott planned to go o to Wichita and see the 6A state soccer championships but it turned out that neither of us slept well Friday night. I think the dude at Radina's made my coffee with caffiene even though I ordered decaf. We got up early and he drove to Newton. I couldn't nap in the car because Professor hopped all over me the whole way (turns out he had to pee and had what Scott referred to as a "lincoln log" to get rid of. We got there and Scott saw Leah's mod for the first time. We walked across campus to the coffeeshop where Leah works, Mojo's and had a coffee. I had the ham and cheese quiche--yummy! We then took Professor and walked the trail through the woods. Beautiful weather! We showed Scott where they have creekers (which are secret beer and hymn sings by a campfire). We went back to the mod and took a nap each of us on a different couch in her livingroom! Then we went to Chong's and Leah and I had chicken fried rice. I didn' like it--too oniony and who puts green peppers in chicken fried rice? Scott had something spicy. We then went to wonderful downtown Newton and I got 4 sets of Christmas lights for my office at work from the flea market, we got natural peanut butter and local honey from the health food store, I replaced my heart earrings from my favorite store, and we looked for juicers at the kitchen store--no luck. Scott walked around outside with Professor. We went back to the dorm and Leah made Scott some coffee. He never did go to wichita to watch soccer--too tired. We came back to Manhattan and I dropped Scott at the stadium for the ksu game. I do love going to Newton! Pics to follow--Leah in her mod livingroom and at Chong's.

Perfect and You won't Believe This

Last night was the perfect date! I took a nap after work then shared some olive oil popcorn with Scott. At 5 I had the crazy idea to suggest to Scott that he go with me to exercise class and you'll never believe this but he said yes! He really went with me to my step aerobics class! He did really well, too. He's complaining about how sore he is today, though. I told him he might be too old for that class:). So then we had a shower and went to Chipotle...which we've done every Friday night for years. I wore my giant comfy pink sweatpants! Then we went for coffee and a cookie at Radina's and read our books. I was home and asleep by 9:30!
Our date continued on into today as Leah convinced us to drive to Newton to visit her. We had fun on the way listening to music--Pink, Justin Beiber, Joss Stone. We even sang to old Third Day. We love to sing together in the car! Scott and I are a comedy team. I'm the straight man. I have to crab at him about his driving or he'd space off and go 50 miles per hour! At one point he asked, "What's the speed limit here again?" I said, "65. That's why the cars in the slow lane are passing you." He sang a song to me about how beautiful I am but later sang "You and I collide." After complaining again about how long it was taking to drive here, he said, "But we're together and we're having fun!" We are. We went for a walk on the trail with Leah and a sign over the bridge said, "3 ton limit" so he told me I'd better wait til they were across. Poo poo head. Never a dull moment with Scott. I suggest we repeat last night's perfect date every Friday night til death do us part.

Day in the life of a school social worker

Not that I want to think about work while I'm home, but I think my job is fascinating....maybe you will too. Yesterday began bright and early at 7:25 a.m. with FCA. I team taught with Mr. Harmon, his first time, on Philippians 4:4-9. Thought it went really well. Next met a teacher and a student in my office at 8 as the student had had a meltdown in his classroom the day before and had been too shut down to try to talk to him. The meeting went fairly well and we made a plan for future. (he's a tough kid with lots of anxiety and possibly more issues besides his family being frustrated with him. I met with them earlier and got them some services in their home). Then I recruited Nancy to go with me to get a kid out of bed whose mom called and said she was sick and he wasn't cooperating. Nancy and I banged on the wrong door for awhile and then the student we sought came right to the door when we knocked on the right door. He tried to fake dizzy and nauseated but it didn't work on us. Met then for several hours with the admin team--lots to talk about but mostly truancy stuff. Next met with a young lady who hates to read and has been refusing in reading class and gave her my best pep talk. She is somewhat like talking to a wall but I helped her with a big bully thing on monday so she responded well to me. Then noticed my guy from this morning faking in the nurses office and sent him back to class. Turned out he didn't go to class but was eventually found in the library. Did lunch group with four students with autism (high functioning) and a peer model and added a new member who fit right it. One burped and so we talked about whether or not people can help burping, how to try not to, etc. This was quickly followed by a leadership planning meeting for the workshop we are doing. Called the parent of the boy from this morning. Saw another couple kids....blanking on those issues then from 2-4 met with the gals I'm doing clinical supervision for. Today I was job shadowed by a high school student wo was pretty neat. Started the day following up on a bully situation from PE and gave the kiddo who bullied him a firm talking to and then caught that same kiddo pushing and kicking at another student in the hall! Helped a young man, my reading buddy whom I read with 20 miutes every day, who has ADHD, sort out what book to read and where to keep it, etc, as he loses any and all books he isn't quite interested in. I coordinated this with the other teachers that also require reading and his mom. Met again with the girl from yesterday who was refusing reading as she apparently has a bad attitude across the board and is failing a couple of classes. Her teacher wanted me to give her a test and then make a plan. I did that and had her stay in AES the rest of the day to get caught up. She actually sort of seemed to like that. Go figure. Talked to a mom of a kiddo with bi polar disorder about trying to figure out where his disability leaves off and his will kicks in (which the teachers have a hard time figuring out with this kiddo too). Met with my thursday lunch group which is a kiddo with a thought disorder who was having a rough day and a kiddo with asperger's (who shocked us today by initiating a whole conversation with another student) and two in the process of being diagnosed. Emails to schedule an iep meeting, then attended an iep meeting of a young man who has earned his way out of the tlc into a regular resource setting. Then cleaned off my desk and made a list to do tomorrow. Probably missed a few things I also did each day but that's about it. I'm tired and going to crawl beneath the covers early again tonight. I actually do really like my job.

Weird Dreams

Weird Dreams

I have had a couple of weird dreams lately. I don’t usually remember
my dreams so its strange that I have had two in a row. The first one,
the other night, was that we had inherited a very large house. It was
partially furnished and had lots of boxes. I was really focused on
recycling all the boxes, which isn’t a big surprise since I’m pretty
into recycling. The funny thing was, the house came with two
monkeys—both chimps—a small one and large one. I don’t
remember much about the small one but the large one was a pain in the
butt. We put it in a bedroom and kept the door shut. When its diaper
needed changing, everyone said I had to do it. It was really wet and
saggy and the chimp was hopping all over the room making chimp sounds
and I remember feeling really exasperated by it.
The second dream was about helping Joel and a good friend (not one of
his good friends I know now, just a good friend) move into a large
apartment. It had lots of bedrooms, similar to the apartment Leah lives
in now, but nicer and larger. It had a piano and the boys were really
enjoying taking turns sitting down to play around on it, of course, when
they were really supposed to be helping with the move. It was sort of
chaotic but what made it harder for me was that someone had left a
small, cuddly puppy in my care. I remember trying to let it out of the
car to use the bathroom and trying to give it back to its owner several
times and I just kept being in charge of it. It was really sweet and
snuggled up to my chest sort of like Professor does. But I couldn’t
be of any help to anyone because I had this puppy to take care of.
So let’s analyze these dreams of mine. Do you see the common themes?
Large houses filled with chaos and having responsibility for caring for
animals that had characteristics of babies/toddlers. Do you think maybe
I’m working through not being a parent of kids in my household
anymore? Wow, as I said this, tears prickled in my eyes. Must be onto
something. I wonder what I’ll dream about tonight.

Fall Fest 2010

Went to see Leah yesterday! I love going to Bethel. It's such a special place. I met Leah and her friend from Manhattan, Natalie, at Leah's mod. I gave Leah the choco's I bought her in Wyoming and she loved them and also some fresh fruit from home. We went to Mojo's, the coffeeshop on campus where she works. I had a turkey, bacon, pesto pannini and Leah and Nat had coffee. I met David's brother, Joel, and his wife, Crystal, and their baby at the coffee shop. Leah had to work in one of the fall fest booths on campus so Natalie and I walked around and looked at the booths. We talked to the climbing club and then got fruit crepes then met back up with Leah. We walked over to the stadium for David's game. David was warming up with the team. I said to Leah, "He has nice knees, Leah" and when he walked up to say hi, she told him! He was so embarrassed! He said, "That's the weirdest compliment I've ever gotten." She also told him that I said I was excited to watch him play. I said I didn't want to say that because I didn't want to put any pressure on him and he said, "Too late." David's parents were at the game so we sat with them and Leah introduced them. They were really friendly and fun. I didn't get to see David play, though, before we had to leave to get to the play on time. Leah was in the pit orchestra. They did a good job. The play was good but very long. It was a fairy tale spoof. They have some talented kids at Bethel. After the play, we ate a free buffalo BBQ on campus then walked back to her mod and I came home. I was sad leaving her again but she's coming home next weekend for 4 days! She actually called me tonight because she misses me!

Adelle

For quite a few visits, Adelle had been sort of a challenge. She didn't want to do what we were doing, was whiny and complainy and generally uncooperative. I think it was her whole adjustment to school starting. Plus, as her mom pointed out, I was doing more picking her up at the last minute. I have learned that planning ahead is key for Adelle. Also, simpler is better. Its gone much better lately. Today we spent the afternoon together and had a great time. I picked her up about one. As I told her the plans for the day she said, "Oh thank you, thank you!" This, of course, from her spot in the back seat. I turned on the country music as I usually do and she sang along. We can only talk during the commercials. She was mildly interested in hearing about my trip to Wyoming. We went to the grocery store and she pushed the cart. I was a little worried about how that would go but she only ran into the toothpaste stand and knocked off about three toothpastes. But she didn't hit any people. We got to the house and she watched the episodes of Around the Horn that she missed while I put away the groceries. She even asked about going to the downstairs computer before going! I made the peach pie (for Bible study later) and put it in the oven and called for her and she came right up. She stuck with making the pumpkin cookies and even suggested the chocolate chips! She was a little leary about the taste since it was spicier than pumpkin bread. She went back to the computer (she watches the country top 20 music videos and Around the Horn episodes) while I baked the rest of the cookies. When they were done, we took Professor up to the large field by the girlscout house and played catch with the football and then passed the soccerball back and forth. She did about as good as I did. Then we came home. I had put together some care packages for Hannah and Joel with cookies and dried fruit and gum so Adelle went with me to mail them at Dillons. I said, "Thank you, Stu" since the guy's nametag said Stu. Adelle said, "Stu, do you want to come to my house?" I think she was joking. I hope. Here are some pics I took of Adelle a few weeks ago.

Laramie Visit October 2010

Friday morning got up early and zipped over to pick up Shelly Levalley whom I met that morning for the first time. Shelly and I hit it off right off the bat as Hannah predicted that we would. We set off for Laramie, Wyoming to visit our kids. Hannah lives right across the street from Shelly's son, John. Shelly and I chatted for four straight hours. We talked about neuropsychology, autism, funny things our kids did when they were little, and a ton of things we have in common. We stopped three times to pee, get gas and we ate chicken livers and turkey sandwiches. The last stop was for Starbucks and a short walk. Shelly offered but I drove the whole way because I wanted to see if I could! I can! We got to Laramie about 5:30. We found Hannah's cute blue house and walked right in like we owned it! Hannah wasn't home but came in right after. It was very messy so leave it to me to say something and offend Hannah. Hannah's room was not messy. It was large and had new carpeting, a large window and separate entrance. She had it decorated nicely with her art and memories.

We went across the street to where the boys live. Their apartments are so cool! They live in an elmentary school that has been converted into apartments. They have large kitchens, livingrooms and bathrooms. The ceilings are tall and they have big windows that go all the way up and chalkboards on the walls! John, Patrick and Tyler live across the hall from Hannah's boyfriend Rob, Conner, and Bob. Ben lives downstairs. Hannah lives with Lucas and Sue. John was off climbing so Hannah, Rob, Shelly, Tyler and I walked to coal creek for a cup of coffee and a chat. The weather the whole weekend was perfect!

That evening, Hannah, Rob and I went to Corona Village for mexican food. It was fun to get to know Rob and to see them together. They have a great relationship. After dinner we taught Rob to drive the stick shift and they were so patient with each other. In the grocery store, Rob kicked his heels up to the side while driving the cart when he thought I wasn't looking.

After the grocery store we sat around with all the boys for awhile but I was exhausted so Hannah walked me to her apartment. I slept like a baby.

In the morning, Hannah and I went to Coal Creek for breakfast. I had a yummy cherry turnover and a latte. We talked and played on our computers. We walked around downtown and Shelly called to tell us about half price Chacos so I got Leah a pair. We went to Hannah's favorit thrift store, New to You and I bought Rob a Beatles t-shirt, a t-shirt with planets on it, a real starfish for Hannah, and a tiny ring and sunglasses and a pink pin for me. We got Hannah's hair trimmed. At one point, Rob texted Hannah, "I pooped Corona Village." I thought it was hilarious.

We went to Rob's apartment to eat our leftover mexican food then hiked across campus to the art building. We looked at Hannah's peices then Hannah got forms for Rob and I to make an iron plaque. I don't know when I've had so much fun. I carved a cross and Rob carved a mountain scene. We took them outside and watched while art students melted iron (2700 degrees) and poured it into the molds. Fascinating. Rob went to the library and Hannah and I went to her art studio. I watched her paint and read and played on my computer. We went back to the other studio where Hannah's teacher gave her some criticism on one of her peices and she was pretty discouraged. We met up with Rob who hugged her and called Scott from her apartment who also cheered her up. We napped then went to the boy's apartment. We ended up going out for pizza and played darts (5 boys, Hannah and I).

Sunday morning we got up and drove to the Snowy mountains about an hour away with Shelly and John and Rob. We hiked up the mountain and soon left Shelly and John behind. It was perfect hiking weather with a cool breeze and fresh mountain air. The trail was dirt and rocks and parts were completely rock. There were even large granite rocks we had to climb on. I did well until the last 500 feet or so. Hannah and Rob went ahead and I trudged along, not sure I was going to make it. We rested before going up the last 20 feet and I insisted on raisins. The last part was scary and I whimpered hugging the boulders as Hannah encouraged me from around a corner. But we made it! We took pictures and had a yummy picnic lunch of peanut butter and honey sandwiches, peaches, apples and raisins. The trek back down was harder for me. A muscle on the back of my knee became quite painful. Hannah ran ahead and Rob stayed with me, patiently walking me down. Altogther we hiked 5 hours, 2000 feet!

Back at the apartment after showering, we cooked mashed potatoes and corn on the cob to go with the steaks we had bought that the boys grilled. Tyler made a wonderful garlic butter to go on everything. Shelly baked the most delicious peach pies. Boys kept dropping by and the food disappeared. We had good conversation, good food, good music and good beer. A nice breeze blew in the window. Hannah was cutting leaves out of paper products for her art project and Rob was wheeling around in a wheelchair they use for furniture. I had a really good time.

Hannah and I had trouble sleeping. We took pictures of her dirty feet. I looked at her beautiful face and said it seemed surreal I was with her and that the next day I wouldn't be again. This trip to Laramie was amazing and special.

In the morning, we got up really early and I walked Hannah to work at the coffee shop on campus. I cried when I said goodbye.

The ride home was long and uneventful as we listened to our audiobook, John Grisham's, The Testament.

Shelly's Peach Pie Recipe:

In a prepared shell, put 1/4 cup each of flour and sugar and a teaspoon or so of cinnamon. Add cut up fresh peaches and put more flour, sugar, and cinnamon on top. Pour half and half or whole cream in around the peaches until the pie tin is fullish. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes then 35 minutes more at 350. Yummy.

Blissful Rut

I am loving this blissful rut I am in. My daily routine: Get up. Scratch the pups. Let them out. Get ready for work. Make breakfast. Eat breakfast in my clean livingroom while watching Joyce Meyer. Have my quiet time. Go to work. Come home to my still clean house. Greet the dogs. Take a nap with the pups. Get up. Have a snack while watching Oprah. Go to exercise class (or classes). Come home. Fix dinner--whatever I want. Eat dinner in my clean livingroom. Crosstitch while watching something. Finish watching whatever while checking my facebook and email. Sometimes blog. Turn on music and read til bedtime. On Friday go to Chipotle, preferably with Scott. Maybe catch a movie. Saturday clean a little then do what I want! On Sunday go to church. Sunday evening Bible study. Sometime talk to the kids. Blissful.

An Emotional Day

Today was emotional all the way through. Today was the Bully Prevention kick off day so we started with the most fabulous production in an assembly. It was called "Balance of Power" and talked about how life is unfair and how we can accept that and move past it. It gave examples of kids who had it rough who didn't let their circumstances hold them back. It worked in the anti bully message beautifully and was presented through music and song and people that the kids could really relate to. The kids were on the edge of their seats the entire time. Then we went to the classrooms and did class meetings and team building activities with the kids all morning and took them out to play. There was a kid in my group who was full of activity and was sort of challenging but he really got into the discussions and seemed like he had a lot of "ah-ha"moments. During the basketball tournament, he not only impressed the heck out of everyone with his athletic abilities, he demonstrated amazing leadership on the court. I watched him take a teammate who was struggling to the side and give him a pep talk and then comfort and encourage an opponent after the game! It brought tears to my eyes! At lunch my co-teacher and the health aid told about witnessing a horrifying wreck this morning. The car flipped and almost landed on my friend's car and both people were ejected from the car, one of whom landed on the pavement right behind my friend. My co-teacher got out of his car and tried to help the victims. He cried as he told me and so we prayed together. Then the whole school had an all school party and the kids were WAY out of hand and I was fired up trying to help get it under control. I did relax and had a blast at one point doing the two step with the kids. Then I received a report of a group of kids threatening to beat up another kiddo and the Principals were busy supervising so I had to take statements and call parents. This was extremely disappointing after we spent the whole day doing activities to try to prevent this behavior. So I capped all this off by coming home and watching Oprah's extreme dream show where she gave away amazing things to people who truly deserve it. I cried through the entire thing. For example, she gave a vacation to Italy to a mom who had raised her three children completely alone and held down three jobs to keep them out of the homeless shelter. Then she paid off the ladies' kids' student loans and gave her enough money to take a year off! Scott struggles with watching Oprah give so publically but I think that she inspires others by telling these people's stories and also inspires all of us to give also. So after all this emotion today, I think I'll do to bed early, I'm exhausted!

contentment

I am so content lately. I'm content to hang out in my clean, quiet house. I play on my computer on facebook or gmail and I crosstitch. I take a nap after work and go to my exercise classes and come home and shower. I fix something, usually frozen, for two, and watch oprah (tivo'd). Tonight Scott got home early from practice and we ate orange chicken. I crosstitched most of the evening and we watched Monday night football interspersed with American Pickers on the History channel. The dogs come up periodically to play or get a scratch. Scott is bored and I am content!

I'm ok

I'm doing ok with being alone! I do miss the kids quite a bit but I'm adjusting pretty well. The last few weeks were pretty busy with work and something almost every night so I even chose to stay home this weekend instead of go with Scott to the soccer tournament in KC. Leah wanted to see me this weekend too so I'll go to Newton tomorrow for a good chunk of the day. But I wanted to get some things done this weekend, like catch up on my blogging! I like the quiet in the house. I like how it stays clean! I like how I can watch what I want on TV and either listen to my music or have absolute quiet if I want. We've only done about two loads of laundry since the kids left. I bought a bunch of food that they wouldn't have eaten. We only have to run the dishwasher once a week! I can sit in the livingroom in my night gown all evening and not worry about who is coming to the door! Our grocery bill is tons cheaper! I'm ok. But I hope Joel calls today.

Debbie

My friend Debbie died this week. I got to know Debbie when she was the health aide at my school. Her youngest, Aaron, and Hannah used to hang out when they were in middle school and early high school. Debbie and I ate lunch together 2-3 times per week for about 3 or 4 years. We had a lot in common--two girls and the youngest, a boy, all who played soccer. Her husband used to spend a lot of time away from home with soccer activities. Debbie loved dogs and got her puppy, Jack, around the time I got Rex. We got them together a couple of times to play. Debbie had already fought breast cancer when I hung out with her. Then it came back in her bones and her liver but she beat that, too. She stopped working after the chemo and radiation wore her down. And then the cancer came back into her brain. I visited Debbie two weeks ago and got to pray with her and reassure her of heaven. She joked with us even then. The last thing she said to me was, "I like your pink shorts!". Here she was laying in a hospital bed with oxygen and an iv and no use of her legs and she was complimenting me! Debbie was always open about her cancer and she was so brave. She kept a great sense of humor and always wanted to know how I was (pretty remarkable). I read what her husband wrote about the moment she died (at home with her family and dogs nearby). I cried like a baby because it said her little dog, Jack, howled right at the moment she died. It was about the sadest thing I've ever heard. I will miss Debbie. I hope she is loving heaven.

Hannah

Today is Hannah's 22 birthday. I talked to her a little on the phone today and reminded her that on MY 22nd birthday, I was getting married! Anyway, 22 years ago today, I gave birth to our first child, a girl, Hannah Julaine Clark. After two miscarraiges, we got pregnant with Hannah. We got to see her in a sonogram at 8 weeks gestation. Her tiny heart was beating and she looked like a fish but we loved her instantly! I had to stop working with 6 weeks left in my pregnancy and lay around because I'd started to dialate and then she was born right on time! I went into labor at about 5:30 in the morning. We got to the hospital about 8. My labor was pretty intense--got stuck in transition for hours. My regular doctor wasn't there so this male doctor and Scott watched football while I pushed forever. The idiot had me laying on my back with my feet up in stirrups. Finally, he gave me some shots in my hips and stuck these huge forceps in and yanked out Hannah! They weighed her and wrapped her up and handed her to Scott before I got to hold her. He handed her to me immediately. My first thought when I saw her was, "Oh my God, I've given birth to my sister in law!" She really looked like Shari. She knew my voice immediately and was hungry right away. She sucked all my baby weight off me the first week. She weighed 9 lbs 2 ounces and looked like she was three months old at birth. Scott and I were THRILLED! You'd think he'd want a boy first but he wanted a tough girl whose sports he could coach. I wanted a girly girl. We both got exactly what we wanted. Flash forward 18 years and I have a picture of Hannah at her senior prom with long, beautiful, curly blonde hair, a fabulous body, long legs, dressed in an aqua blue sequined gown looking like a model. But she'd go out on the soccer field and knock anyone flying who got in her way! My Hannah. Hannah came out independent and demanding. When she cried as a baby, everyone jumped up to get her what she wanted. No room is ever the same when she's in it. She is funny and smart and creative tender and strong. She's loud and silly and cusses like a sailor. Hannah has the most incredible people skills--she can talk anyone into anything and they think it was their idea! If she wants something, she goes after it. She's a peace maker and a problem solver. Hannah is a fantastic artist, athlete, and rock climber. I miss her very much and wish I was with her today. I'm going to see her on October 1 and I can't wait! I love you, Hannah-belle aka Hanny Banny.

Tough Times...He is there

This has been a tough week, week and a half. It was so hard to send Joel off to California and then adjust to that. I started back to work last week and then school started this week. Then Monday I was in an accident. I was coming down Delaware and a 15 year old on a bike came fast down the alley and ran the stop sign, hit my bumper, then flipped onto my hood and then onto the street. Everyone's worst nightmare. I was supernaturally calm through the entire thing and afterward. And God was also apparently with the boy who although bleeding and taken to the hospital by ambulance, only had a few staples and went to school the next day. His parents were already seeing the blessing in it when they called me as the young man and his friends are all convinced now to wear helmets.
Today I took Leah back to school. Someone once said that to have kids is to have part of yourself walking around outside yourself forever. Having my kids live in various places does feel like parts of me are missing. I still have the part of me that's always me and the part of me that is Scott's. And when I see each of my kids or talk to them, I think, ""Oh, there's that part of me." Its only when all 5 of us are together that I feel whole. But right after I dropped her off, I was crying in the car and God actually said to me, "I'm all you need, I'm right here, Diane." So cool. It has been a tough week and a half but He has been right here. How do people who don't know Him do this?

We did it!

These are some random pics I took of Joel "being" at home last week in anticipation of missing him. We did it! We put Joel on the plane to California and he got there safely! All summer I've been asking Joel how he was feeling and he said he was ready, anxious for the time to pass so he could go. The the week before he left, he admitted to feeling sad. One day when we were at Chipotle (our favorite regular place) he put down half of his double barbacoa, double rice burrito and said his "apple-a-tite" was affected. I grieved all summer and walked around with a huge lump in my throat for weeks before he left! I didn't sleep for about three nights in a row at all then the night before he left,I went to bed at 9:30 and slept hard. Joel had broken up with his girlfriend (painful for everyone involved) and had thrown himself into a fantasy draft with his Dad downstairs. When I got up at 4:30 am to get ready to leave, some of Joel's friends were in the livingroom with him--they had stayed up all night! Watching them say good bye was hard but I kept it together. In the car, Joel said, "I don't think I'll ever have friends like that again." We explained to him that no, he won't, but with a little effort, he'll keep those friends forever and make new friends that will also be great lifetime friends.

We got to the airport and checked him in with no problems and ate breakfast. I started to lump up but I was determined not to cry for Joel's sake. When it was time, we each hugged him goodbye and sent him up the ramp. We went toward the door then turned to watch him get through security. That's when I lost it and so did Leah. I sobbed hard all the way to the van and most of the way home. I was physically ill with it. I told Scott that this was hands down the hardest thing I've been through--harder than miscarriages and births and deaths, everything. Scott said he was ok because he was focused on how excited he is for Joel and how this was some sort of spiritual fulfillment of his personal dreams for himself that hadn't been realized, now being carried out through Joel. Scott always knows just what to say to help me. He's been there through every hard thing I've experienced.

When we got home, I ate and napped and got feeling better physically. Joel texted his progress through the trip, gate connections, etc) and it went very smoothly. He called me Wednesday night and Thursday night. He'd had a few hitches (having to drag his stuff a lot farther across campus than planned and getting blisters, finally finding food he liked in the cafeteria but having to evacuate for a small grill fire, dropping the top book off his pile in the bookstore and it jamming between the wall and the escalator, and almost dehydrating) but he kept a great attitude and sounded very positive on the phone. By Friday night he had made lots of friends and was having such a good time he couldn't squeeze in a minute to call.

I am awestruck by the incredible bravery of my son to pack up everything he owns and leave everyone and everything he loves and taking off across the country. I'm so very proud of him. We did it!

newness

I love starting new journals! I've kept a prayer journal for about 10 years and I just love starting new ones. Here it is. (Well, I'll add it late when it gets done uploading.) Here are some of my latest journals. At the beginning of each journal, I put my personal goals, my love dare goals, and my prayer lists. I also have a list of "God Cans" which is a list where I put things that I'm worried about and let God take care of them, because He can. I have added a list of goals to do when the kids are all moved out (in about 10 days). But I already started the list! I redid the living room. And today, I cleaned and waxed the wood floors! They look awesome! Here is a pic of that, too. (When its finished downloading).

It's my turn! Come to my house!

The other night I kept picturing desperately needed changes to the living room and couldn't sleep because I was so excited. So I got up and got started! I moved all the furniture out of the room and called a carpet cleaner who came the same day and cleaned the whole carpet. I deep cleaned all the woodwork and got rid of a bunch of extra junk from the shelves and reorganized the shelves. I washed the curtains and cleaned away all the cobwebs. I gave the broken short couch to the guy who helped clean the carpet. I bought a new cushion for the futon that has springs in it and got a new cover for it and new pillows. I moved the TV to the other corner and put the big chair in the corner away from the vent so now we can actually sit in it without freezing in the summer and it won't block the heat in the winter. The couch is now on the opposite side too. I moved the sofa table to the wall so the whole room is open. I really like it now. In fact, it makes me like the whole house now! No more shrinking when it's my turn at Bible studies to answer the question, "Whose turn it is to have Bible study at their house?" "It's my turn! Come to my house!"

Treasure

I am treasuring every day left of summer. I treasure sleeping in, leisurely quiet time with God, long stretches of nothing to do, hanging out with my family and the doggies, my wonderful water aerobics classes (exercise, socializing and sun all wrapped into one!), and more time with Scott who isn't in the midst of his soccer season and is actually around some. He's sitting across from me right now at the coffee shop. I also treasure my time with Leah before she returns to school and Joel before he leaves for California. Eleven days til he leaves and I won't see him until Christmas! He's actually hanging out with me quite a bit here and there throughout the day. I'm doing ok but I do have a big lump in my throat most of the time. Last night Scott and I went for a long walk together with the dogs. The dogs got tired and we had to call Joel to come rescue us. We'll be on our own soon. I want to go with Scott to a tournament in August but who will watch the dogs? I have a list of stuff I'm going to do as soon as everyone leaves--mostly involving cleaning the house and giving stuff away (simplifying). I hope I feel like doing it! I also want to rekindle some old friendships that I've neglected. And I will be returning to work soon. Busy, Busy! I will continue in the Thursday night Bible study. Our Sunday night care cell should get going again regularly. And there will be soccer games to watch. And Adelle once a week or so. I'll be ok. I'll be ok. I'll be ok. Meanwhile, I will treasure these 11 days.

A good day is a day spent doing for others

Today was a great day. I want to hang onto these summer days because they are going fast. I finally slept well last night and slept in til 9:15. It was so peaceful when I opened my eyes. Scott had already left for work and I don't think I even heard him get up! Both dogs slept with us and so I spent the typical time scratching them good morning. I let them out to pee and then made my way into the kitchen to make coffee--just for me since Leah is in Newton for a few days and Scott was at work and Joel doesn't drink coffee OR get up before noon. I made myself some oatmeal with brown sugar and raisins for breakfast and put it on a tray (Grandma Smith's solitaire tray) and took it in the living room to watch Joyce Meyer. Had my quiet time, prayer journal, and wrote my anonymous encourager letter, and went through 2 Peter for my Thursday night Bible study and noted all the times he said "remember" or pay attention to.... I showered and put on my summer uniform, today pink shorts, white shirt, and my brand new pink sketcher shape ups! By this time it was 10:30 so I did dishes and started laundry (mostly Scott's stuff from his trip). I gathered a suitcase and big duffel for Joel to start his packing for USC and then made copies of his drivers license and social security card for his loan and put that in the mail. Then I talked with Mom on the phone and changed my clothes and went to water aerobics. Two more friends joined the class today, Kim and Louann so that was fun. I did find out that my gym has sold and will be closing so later I wrote notes to my two favorite instructors letting them know how much their classes mean to me. After water aerobics I fixed a wonderful, healthy sandwich of turkey and laughing cow spread cheese and spinach leaves on toasted arrowwheat, baked chips and drank park of a green Naked (that's the name of the drink, I wasn't naked). Then I hurried to the chiropractor where he declared my back well (praise God!) and then met Keri for a coffee and good chat at Radina's. Got home at 3:30 in time to make a payment on Joel's USC tuition account with him and talked him into letting me shop with him for his dorm stuff here since he can take two bags rather than wait and do it alone there. I then wrote the kids their weekly letters (I'm sending Hannah's and saving Leah and Joel's til they leave for school). Then I picked up Adelle and we made spaghetti. She made herself some toast and a cheese and mustard sandwich. While I cleaned up and did laundry, she watched Around the Horn and country music videos on the computer. Then we took Scott some dinner at the fire station. She really impressed him by naming the team that each of his fantasy baseball players are on. She asked him some specific questions about sports this week that he had to look up to answer! When I reminded him that he coaches soccer for Junction City, she asked him, "What are your thoughts on Junction City versus Manhattan this year?" I thought he was going to pass out with delight. We took her back to meet the fireman and she shook all six of their hands and smiled at them and then bee lined it to the sports page sitting there. Then we went to the gym to deliver my notes and she suggested we work out together sometime! We went to the library and she wanted to check out a sports almanac but its reference so I suggested we also go to the library together another day. What the heck! Two of my all time favorite places to go! Next she'll suggest we get a cup of coffee! I took her home and had a good chat with her mom and then came home to blog! I finished the day off reading Katherine Center's The Bright Side of Disaster. ( I also can't wait to read Stockett's Help that I got at the library today!) A good day is a day spent doing for others. I enjoyed this one thoroughly.

Emotions

I am REALLY struggling with my emotions about the kids all leaving (SOON! Joel leaves in 25 days!). I know that I tend to experience the most intense feelings before an event rather than after. I remember absolutely dreading the moment my maternity leave was over and I had to deliver Hannah to the sitter the first day. Then the day I did it, I danced a jig out to the car that I had 8 babyless hours. There were many more times I missed her like crazy and wished I could have been home with her, but I had done the hard emotional work before I dropped her off. So now I am having all these crazy emotions about the kids and they haven't even left yet! I am soooo proud of each of them and excited for them and their futures and our future as a family! I think about what's ahead: college graduations, careers, engagements, marraiges, grandchildren. None of that can happen unless I let them go. I am so happy for Hannah that she's happy in Wyoming and having such fun adventures, that's she's found someone she really cares for, and that she's finally found her career and purpose in that. She is very happy and I'm happy for her and proud of her! I'm so happy for Leah, also. I love Bethel. We went up there again this week and it helps me to let go of her knowing she has such an awesome, safe place to grow and be. She has such wonderful friends there and good influences and opportunities with the college. And Joel. My goodness! The coordinator for his department said we need to brag because it is such an honor for him to have been selected--so I do every chance I get! USC looks like such a cool, fun, exciting environment. He'll be part of a larger family that looks out for one another and also be part of a smaller family in the Cinematic Arts school and beyond that an even smaller department in his major. I know he'll not only be ok, but have such amazing opportunities! We've gotten every detail worked out for him and I know I'll still be a phone call, text, or email away if something else comes up. The preparations have been helpful for me, sort of like reverse nesting. But. I still keep getting slammed with these intense emotions of sadness, of grief, of loss, of too much change all at once. I try to focus on the things that are positive such as I've mentioned above, but also: less mess, lower grocery bills, less pressure to do meals that please everyone, quieter evenings, more privacy, stuff like that. I'm afraid of being alone--I'm not very good at it. And with Scott coaching, it happens waaaaay too often. I need him to make some changes, however, he needs to coach and stay busy to help him cope with all this. It's his way. And I'm afraid because even though we have a good marraige and are truly there for each other emotionally, etc., we don't know how to be alone together anymore. We just bumble around the house like roommates trying to find things to do. I am going to make a list of things I like to do and have him look it over and star the things he thinks he could do with me and then have him make a list too. We have such different tastes and interests! This scares me! Its too big of an adjustment at a time when we are both struggling with our emotions. Now I'm crying. I also trust God. He's been so faithful through all the big, tough things we've been through, I know He'll be there through this. But that doesn't mean I won't feel the emotions.

Water Park

Today I picked up Adelle and went to the new water park. First she came out of the house and said she didn't want to go to the water park, she wanted to go to the fair. I sent her in to get her swimsuit on and I accidentally let the little dog out. Mom and sister went tearing after the dog. Not good. Adelle's mom said her Grandma is very ill and everyone was pretty stressed out. Adelle came out and got in the back seat, as usual, and gave me some quotes from Around the Horn. We talked about her Grandma and she said everyone is pretty upset. We got to the water park and there was a huge line. I was so impressed that this water park is in our little town. It was amazing! There was a pile of floating rings that you can use to float around in the lazy river that actually had a pretty strong current! In the middle was a huge bubble that you could climb and bounce on and jump or slide off. There was a lily pad part you could try to walk across and two cool baby pools with neat built in toys. There were lots of lounge chairs and tables with umbrellas over them. There were two large water slides. Adelle went down one. I watched her smile all the way down but when she came over to me she said, "I'm done with that." There was a wave pool for boarding on and it looked nearly impossible. Adelle wanted to do it but I talked her out of it. There was also a huge pool with diving boards and laps for swimming. It had a shallower end and we got in. Thank God I had the floaty tube with me because it was too deep for Adelle and she would have drowned. I yanked her over to the side and told her to get out. After that I was pretty nervous. She kept getting away from me and I had to look and look to find her. After a snack, she finally played a long time in the lazy river. When we left, we went over to the free water park where the water shoots out of the ground in various, fun ways. I think Adelle enjoyed that more than anything else. Live and learn.

bummer?

I have been sitting around all day bumming and dwelling on how fat and bored I feel because I'm having to miss my favorite exercise classes today to rest my back. So I read my sister in law's blog (raisin a ruckus) and she listed all the things she's happy about. So I did the same thing and it really helps. (I am aware of the power of positive thinking, I only counsel about it all school year and it is Biblical but why I never think of it myself when I'm bumming, is a mystery). I am so happy that Leah is home for the summer! And Joel is too! And they are both watching a movie with me that is pretty fun (Whippit). The sun in shining. I am rested and healthy (other than my back). I have a car and money and I can go do anything I want. I started a new project yesterday called anonymous encouragers (see it, same name, online) and I sent two anonymous letters yesterday and one today to randomly encourage someone. Rex and Professor are happy to have us home. I get to wear my favorite summer uniform--sport shorts and a t shirt--every day! I could probably go on from here but this is enough to make me feel happy again. Gonna make chicken and pasta with spaghetti sauce tonight.

Who reads this?

I just wonder if anyone is reading this blog. If you are, will you let me know? Just wondering.

ouch

My back is hurting! Again! I keep in great shape but my stupid back "went out" when I was shaving my leg in the shower on Wednesday. I didn't think it was as bad as last time so I went to water aerobics on Thursday (actually felt great) and then went to Bible study that night and it started to really hurt. Ibuprofen isn't touching it. I went for a walk that night (separate blog) and by Friday my back was a mess! And I had the reunion this weekend! Saturday my Mom gave me a hydrocodone and it is the only thing that helps. Sitting is BAD! I ice it and rest it and try to not do anything too long--sit, stand, lie down. I broke down and took another pill today. Have gone to the chiropractor twice and will go again tomorrow. I guess my new water class against the current will have to wait. I'll try fit ball and go back to the deep end class but step is out for awhile. I have some prayer partners working on this so I will give it to God and wait. And thank Him for hydrocodone. :)

Reunion

LHS 1980 30 year high school reunion memories.

Ginger looks fabulous, as usual. Her husband is wonderful! He reminded me tons of Lee in looks and gentle spirit. Davi is working full time and lives near. Niki will be a freshman at Shawnee Mission North. Mike's kids live at home and nearby also. Liisa Embree McNeil looked great. She's in KC doing merchandising for a large corporations in carpeting. She is married, no kids. Cara Bray is in Lawrence working for medicaid. She has two teenagers. Jay Slapper is married and has two young kids. Mark Devoe is in KC, hates his job, has been divorced 18 years, should have been a psychologist and smokes pot daily. He has two teens also. Libby Dorsey Zimmerman lives in Bloomfield, Colorado with her husband and she works with computers. Her kids, Zach and Hannah, are about the age of mine. The class has four social workers: Mike Fowler who I didn't get to talk to this time, Michelle Porter who works with Native Americans in California and who is a Christian, Susan Devoe who works with sex offenders in KC but is also going to work for Children's Mercy. Dave Blesch is in San Franscisco and doing very well with his company, not married, no kids. Jerry Ehrens (?), crap his name is escaping me temporarily, lives in CA also and is married and has two young kids. I don't remember him being so incredibly nice in high school! Troy Rea is bald but still good looking and lives in Leavenworth running a car dealership with his brothers. Bob Wrigley is excellent looking and a big flirt. He told me that I'm hot, that he loves my hair and that a woman had to be beautiful and confident to wear their hair like that! Hecter McAnderson and his high school sweetheart and bride were there. He is retired from special ops. Michele Best lives in Heidelberg, Germany with her husband and teenagers and gets to travel around Europe and loves it. Michele told me she remembers me being never judgemental toward anyone in high school! So cool! Karen Johnson DePriest was there along with Karrie Wiley and they organized the whole thing. I thought everyone looked great, the same or even better! We all looked our age but good! I talked with Jeannette Evans about all the Sunday School classes we went to together. Sue Holliman Moore was there with Tim who is handsome! They are very much in love. Sue runs a daycare in their home and is very dedicated to it. Both her parents have passed. Her oldest son is in Florida and younger son just got married. Tim has kids and they have a nine year old daughter together. Jeannette Finnell was there an bubbly as usual along with Deena Roe. People were very huggy and open and kind and genuinely glad to see you. Chris Robinson was there with his wife. Talked to Brenda Boyer and Cathy Cummins. Jim Norwood died in a car accident and apparently their son died recently also so Lori Foster wasn't there. Kyle couldn't come for some reason. Here are a few pics.

Vacation

Went to Table Rock Lake and Branson, Missouri this weekend with Leah, Joel, my brother David and his wife Ronnie, his sons Jon, Ryan and Tim, Tim's wife, Hannah, and my Mom. We left Manhattan Friday morning and drove the two hours to Leavenworth to meet up with Mom, David and Ronnie and then followed them--they rode in the Lexus and we took our white car. The rest of the kids met us there later that night. I hade such a crazy headache driving! We stayed at Rock Lane Marina which is really a resort set up for people who have a boat. But they had a pool and we made good use of it! I stayed in a condo with Leah. We just took it easy and sat by the pool and tanned and chatted. Very enjoyable. Leah and I took a paddle boat out across the cove to an island and got out and swam in the lake one afternoon. The next afternoon we rented a boat but Leah and Mom and I only lasted an hour on the boat. Joel stayed and tried the wake board and got fried. Each night we showered up and went out the eat--the whole group at an italian restaurant the first night (yummy) and mom and Leah and I the second night (not so yummy food). We went to see the Beatles act the first night and the Chinese acrobats the scond night. Very enjoyable. All this on my generous mom's tab! Then yesterday we drove home--I drove all the way myself--6 1/2 hours! A very good, relaxing vacation. But its good to be home.

Adelle second outing

Last week Adelle was ready and came right out to the car when I pulled up. She rode in back again and started giving sports info, her fall back conversation when she doesn't know what else to say. We went to the house and made cookies together-oatmeal chocolate chip raisin. She started being silly but then settled down and really worked hard and concentrated and seemed to enjoy it. We just made two sheets because we needed more oatmeal and to keep her attention. We did make a mess. She ate sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon sugar, dough and several cookies. We got sugar all over the floor! Then she got on the computer as we were waiting for Leah to come home to say hi. Adelle kept trying to look up some score or something from March 30 that she has talked about for two visits now. Then we went to the fire station to take Scott some cookies and for Adelle to meet him for the first time. I told her she could ask him about scores from March 30. Adelle needed to use the restroom badly--she kept crossing her legs. She went in to look at ours but wouldn't go in it. I went and flushed but apparently the toilet paper didn't go all the way down and that bothered Adelle. She kept saying, "Why is your toilet broken?" So the first thing she did at the fire station was use the restroom. Then she shook hands with Scott and asked him her questions about March 30. He knew what she was talking about and got on the computer. Apparently, she is really into a sports radio show called "Around the Horn" which is a sports debate. She wanted to know which of the commentators won the debate that day! So Adelle sat at Scott's desk and listened to several Around the Horn shows on the computer. She laughed and tried to recite the words along with it and rocked and thoroughly enjoyed herself. When we got back in the car, she kept reciting what she had heard. She was soooo happy about it! Then we went to the grocery store for more oatmeal and also got some mustard. Earlier Adelle wanted a cheese sandwich and I only had spicy brown mustard. I'm not sure how I ever thought I could be Adelle's Big Sister without mustard in the house! We bought mustard and oatmeal and headed to the city park to swing. While swinging, we saw Leah and her friends and they were slack lining and kicking around a soccer ball. We went over. Adelle shook everyone's hands and then kicked the soccer ball (hard) several times. Allison asked Adelle if she wanted to try slack lining. With Allison's help, she jumped right up and walked down and back both lines without much difficulty! Everyone was impressed! Then she was ready to go home. I am going to get Adelle tonight and are plans are to make hamburgers and hot dogs. She has been talking about this both times we've been together--she's going to have two hamburgers and two hot dogs! Can't wait!