Updates on Dad and Uncle

My step dad, Ed, and my uncle, Larry, both got to come home from the hospitals on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.

Ed had additional scans done on his chest and stomach on Thanksgiving Day. He also had hospital turkey dinner. He said it wasn't all THAT bad, but the sweet potato souffle was not as good as mine.

He had the hiccups for 24 hours after getting home. This exhausted him. After I read that hiccups can be dangerous for people who just had surgery, I called his neurologist to get advise. The nurse practitioner suggested he take Pepto Bismol, wait an hour and take milk of magnesia, back and forth every hour until the hiccups go away. Finally, after more than 24 hours of hiccups, they went away.

Other than weakness, he is feeling okay. He calls Monday to make an appointment to see the neurologist. I think at that time he will learn what they know about the mass on his brain so far. I am sure he will get scheduled for a biopsy at that time. Prayers would still be greatly appreciated.

Uncle Larry came home with a catheter and oxygen. The doctor didn't want to release him as he just had open heart surgery last Friday, but Larry said he was going home regardless, so the doctor gave in. He too, is weak. But he looks good and is laughing again. Prayers for his recovery still needed also.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Front Row: Hubster and me Middle: Arthur and Courage
Back: Arthur's BF and Courage's BF

Arthur and BF

Courage and BF in Dress Blues

Hubster and Me

Thankfulness

Thankfulness...The following are definitions according to Dictionary.com.

–adjective feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative.

-adjective

1. Aware and appreciative of a benefit; grateful.
2. Expressive of gratitude: a thankful smile.

-noun

warm friendly feelings of gratitude [syn: gratefulness]

I have a heart full of thankfulness today, Thanksgiving, 2008.

In October, 2008, I wrote a blog titled 'My Cup Runneth Over'. It was my way of expressing my thankfulness for all the blessings in my life. I had a response from a reader that really stumped me, for a while. She told me some terrible things that had been going on in her life, such as loss of jobs, no health care, worrying about her children's finances, etc., and went on to ask me if I had problems such as these, would I still be so thankful?

I have done much soul searching since I received that response from my blog. First of all, I apologize for giving off the impression that I have a charmed, worry-free, unblemished life.

I must say, for the record, I have had a fair share of hurt, heartache, worries and pains. I won't go into much detail about those things, but I have had times in my life when I wondered where the next meal would come from, how I would be able to pay the rent, if my car would get me to work one more day, how I would be able to take my daughter to the doctor next time she fell ill or how I would I buy her medicine.

I've had times when I wondered what I did to a person to make them treat me like they have, and have worried over what I have said or done to hurt someone else or have known and stressed over that too. I have stressed over tests and waited for test diagnosis, not knowing if I would get good or bad news. I have not always received good news. I have been fired from jobs, laid off from jobs, and have made extremely good money only to be laid off and start back at minimum wage. I have been stranded on the side of the road with no cell phone and no one to call if I had one. I have had to operate my windshield wipers with a piece of twine in the pouring rain. I have had to thaw my frozen feet out in the bathroom sink after driving to work with no heat in the car.

I have eaten peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and drank grape koolaid until it made me gag to smell it. I have worried over my child not wearing the newest clothing styles and the best shoes like other kids in her class, or having the toys and gadgets other kids had.

I have had my heart broken, stomped on, smashed and shattered, by people I thought I could trust and whom I thought loved me unconditionally. I was a single mom for 7 and half years and struggled with all these things, before and after my marriage ended.

But, I am thankful.

One day, after pretty much giving up, I met a man who took me into his life and didn't want to know the terrible details of my past and didn't think of my young daughter as baggage. I am thankful God brought us together.

I now have two daughters whom I call friends, and I am thankful to God for never feeling lonely again.

I am thankful for my big, dysfunctional, extended family. We have disagreements, arguments, misunderstandings and hurtful moments. But in the end, we stick up for each other and are there for each other when tragedy strikes.

I am thankful for those family members who fed me and Arthur when we had little or no food in the house.

I am thankful for my two dads who helped me when my car broke down and when I needed help buying a car when I was finally able to do so. I am also thankful for the old car which somehow managed to get me to work 'one more time'.

I am thankful for garage sales where I purchased clothing, like new and name brand, for a fraction of what they would have cost new. I am thankful that Arthur never knew her clothes came from garage sales.

I am thankful for ex-in-laws who didn't blame me for a broken marriage and have remained friends through the years.

I am thankful current in-laws who bring happiness in their own way.

I am thankful that my husbands sister is helping him with his dad, finally.

I am thankful both my daughters have found wonderful men, whom they love, and who love them.

I thank God for friends who lift my spirits when I am feeling low.

I thank God for our health, our homes, our jobs, our places of worship and our country, and those who defend it all.

Just yesterday, the day before Thanksgiving, we received the news that my step dad, Edward, had a second Grand Mal seizure. The doctors told him and us yesterday afternoon that they found a mass on his brain. The next weeks will be filled with tests, biopsies, and hard decisions.
I am not mad at God. I am upset because I fear what my dad has in store if this turns out to be cancer, but I am not mad at God. God has a plan for Ed. I may not understand his plan or agree with it. But he is in control and he knows what he is doing.

So, yes, thankfulness is an adjective describing a feeling of gratitude or appreciation. It is an awareness of a benefit. It is a noun that describes the feeling of being grateful. Thankfulness to me is when it feels like the world is spinning out of control, I know God has control. And he has a plan.

I hope the person who responded to my post in October can read this and find something in her life to be thankful for.

God Bless You and Happy Thanksgiving.

Celebrations!

Tonight, Arthur, BF, and myself attended a dinner party at a friend and co-worker of Arthur's. It was a celebration of Arthur and BF's engagement, and a thanksgiving celebration for friends.

The celebration hosts gave us a tour of their lovely home. This place was decorated more beautiful than any magazine featured home I have ever seen. They had more Thomas Kinkade paintings than an art gallery. One print, and the rest were paintings. The dear lady of the house is not afraid of color. There were colors on the walls with names like 'Heavenly Blue' and 'Bumblebee'. There were other colors that the owner created on her own by combining paints...one she called 'Pumpkin Butter' or something like that. I was amazed by the beautiful blue hue on the walls of one bedroom...a room dedicated to a woman friend the hostess knew from the orphanage she grew up in, I believe. The room featured the woman's bedroom suite, which the woman acquired as a 4 year old child, and had until her death at 93. There was a Thomas Kinkade print over the head of the bed and a framed, black and white photo of the woman on the dresser. The room features two closets which flank the large window which catches the rising sun each morning. The blue on the walls is deep and rich. There is a rocker and soft lighting. In one corner sat a child sized clown obtained in Russia. This was my favorite room in the house.

After ample appetizers and several glasses of wine from the wine bar, the hosts of the celebration served Hawaiian chicken, Asian stir-fry vegetables, REAL mashed potatoes and gravy, and heavenly rolls. After the meal, we all sat around and chit-chatted and let our round bellies rest a bit. Then we had coffee and dessert, which was Black Forest Cake and a very smooth coffee. Delicious! The hostess and her better half certainly know how to entertain. They are excellent cooks, gracious hosts, are wonderful conversationalists, and make you feel so welcome in their beautiful home . What more could you ask for?

After much hugging and thank yous, all six guests received a Christmas gift from the hosts. A gorgeous Christmas scene of boys and girls choosing a tree and playing in the snow. What wonderful friends they are! They made a special night for Arthur and BF, and for everyone who attended the celebration. I thank God for wonderful friends like them!

Another Prayer Request

I have another prayer request for a different family member this time; my Uncle Larry. He is having open heart surgery tomorrow (Fri. 11/20) in Gainesville, GA. Please pray for him and his surgeon and his care givers.

Incredible Shrinking Woman

Arthur is the incredible Shrinking Woman! She has now lost over 33 pounds! She has had to get into her 'skinny' clothes she had hid in the spare bedroom. She got so many compliments today at our office's Thanksgiving Luncheon, I thought we were going to have to evacuate the building to make room for her BIG HEAD! Just teasing! She takes all the compliments in stride, but I know it makes her feel great! She looks more and more awesome each week.

Me, I am pretty much holding my weight at one spot for now, give or take a few ounces. I haven't been journaling my food like I had been, and between the cold weather and darkness after work, I haven't been running/walking my usual 3 to 4 miles per day. Courage has been testing out a local gym, and we all three may be possibly joining soon. But for now I am just trying to eat well and not over do it. I can say, today, I blew it!

Grandpa C

Grandpa C is 91 years old. He is Hubster's dad. He has a house guest and he is happy.

Grandma C died in Feb of 2007. Grandpa has missed her terribly. I have a story about her passing and what transpired during the next year...but that is for another day.

He has lived alone ever since her passing, but the Hubster checks on him and visits him daily.

Hubster's sister came to visit three weeks ago and hasn't left! Grandpa is tickled pink! According to the Hubster, he follows Sister around like a puppy, is eating better, talking and laughing more, moving about more and just over all, doing well!

Sister sits in Grandma's spot on the sofa, while Grandpa and Hubster sit in their spots in the twin recliners and they all sit and watch Grandpa's gi-normous flat screen tv. Hubster says more than once Grandpa has gotten up to go to the restroom or to get a drink and goes by Sister and touches her hair like he used to do when Grandma was there. You can't help but think maybe he is thinking of his wife, or maybe even thinks it is her sitting there.

Mostly, Grandpa has his mind. But he is 91. He is getting more and more forgetful, and more and more frail. But up until a few weeks ago, he lived alone. I hope he lives alone no more. Sister brought her cat with her, that is a good sign.

I am so happy for Grandpa that he has his son and daughter to look after him. Ever since I met him, 20 years or so ago, he has always had a great sense of humor, a hearty laugh and a warm heart. It makes me happy to see Husbster and his Sister taking care of him and making his quality of life better.

A Crazy Week

Everything has been so crazy this past week...it's all a blur. Here are some updates...(and Praises to God!)

1. My dad did not have a heart attack. He did have a problem with his heart rhythm. He had a procedure called 'ablation' on Friday which seems to have done the trick. They adjusted his high blood pressure meds and he is also now on meds for emphysema. He came home from the hospital Saturday afternoon and that afternoon he rode with me to Walmart to get his meds and a few grocery items. He is happy to be home and feeling better.

2. Courage got home late Sunday from her trip to NC.

3. Arthur did some cake tasting this weekend for her wedding cake. She did a 'drive-by' look at the bed and breakfast we all are staying at the night before the wedding.

4. Because I was driving back and forth to Athens this past week...my house looks like a tornado hit it, turned around and came back and hit it again. Mine and the Hubster's bedroom especially looks disastrous.

5. Arthur and I picked out the stationary for the wedding invites and RSVP cards, guest book, toast glasses, accent ribbon for the invites, and some wedding favours.

6. I made the deposit for the photographer (which reserves the date) and lined up the sylists for the hair and makeup for the bride and 4 bridesmaids.

7. Arthur, Courage and I all were able to each spend one meal with a good friend, because amidst all this craziness we have to have some time with those who make us feel special.

8. Me, Courage and Krumm spent Sunday afternoon at the King Tut exhibition at the Atlanta Civic Center and then had dinner at Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro at Atlantic Station. I highly recommend the King Tut exhibition.

9. Tonight, Courage and I spent the evening Christmas shopping. Another night, soon, Arthur and I will do the same.

10. The day before my dad took his trip to the ER in the ambulance, a new baby was born into the family. Baby Ethan Moon came to us Monday, Nov. 10, weighing 7.6 pounds. He has fat cheeks and a head full of dark hair. His momma won't let anyone hold him...

11. On the way to the hospital to visit my dad one night, I saw a person standing on the side of 316 East, in the pouring rain, waving his open cell phone, trying to flag someone down. I didn't see a car. My mom and Courage were in the car with me. I know I shouldn't have taken the risk, but pulled over. This man had hit a deer and his car had plunged off the side of the car into a ravine. He wasn't hurt, but was stranded with his car in the ravine, and had no idea where he was located and couldn't tell emergency vehicles where he was. I helped him best I could with his location and drove off with him standing in the rain. He wanted to wait there for the police to come. I pray that he got help. My mom said he'd be okay if he didn't drown before the police got there. I was afraid to stay put with flashers on the side of the road. I couldn't pull way off the shoulder because there wasn't much shoulder, it was dark and pouring rain. I was afraid another car, or huge transfer truck, would smash into us from behind. I pray he got help fast.

12. I am so exhausted I can hardly think straight. I see no end in sight as the holidays are upon us.

I am going to go to bed now. Take care readers! Thanks for all the well-wishes and prayers for my dad!

Update on Dad-The Good News and the Bad News

My dad is feeling better today...if you look at the big picture. He is still not well. He was having some nausea and vomiting tonight when I visited. He asked me to bring him a McDonald's burger, but he could only eat a couple of bites before his stomach turned. I got upset when I learned they were giving him a particular drug (Reglin...spelling???) I asked them to stop administering that drug. I have had a bad history with that drug. They gave him something else instead and he felt better after 10 minutes.

The Good News: His stress test came out good. His heart is good. The Bad News: He has severe emphysema. He is 62. He started smoking at age 12. So he smoked for about 49 years before he quit about this time last year. I hate that he has lung disease. But at least now people believe me when I say there is 'something' wrong with him. He can now be treated and hopefully feel better. We will know if there are other problems after more test results come in and more tests are performed.

Thanks for all the prayers from my friends, loved ones and strangers alike. God bless all the Prayer Warriors!

Prayer needed

Please pray for my step-dad, Edward Trusty, we think he suffered a heart attack tonight. He was taken by ambulance to Athens Regional. They have admitted him for tests. He has pneumonia now from breathing in vomit possibly. Please pray for him. He is my step-dad, but he's my DAD. He's 62, had smoked since he was 12, but quit a year ago. His lungs are damaged. I am afraid if his heart doesn't go, his lungs will.

I will update asap.

Doggy Woes

My friend (and former mother-in-law) asked me to ask if any of my readers have had this problem with their weiner dog...you know, Dachshund.

She says her little Dachshund has a problem. The little doggy has leakage from 'back there'. She says similar to a menstrual flow, but the vet says it is not that. I am not sure where exactly the leakage is coming from. Her vet has not really been very helpful. He tells her to just keep baby wipes on hand and keep it clean and dry. Unfortunatly the area stays irritated I guess from a combination of the oozing and the wiping and patting. I am assuming since she takes the dog to the vet that he doesn't know what the problem is. I know the dog is over 5 years old, but I think less than 10. She is 'fixed'. That's really all the info I have.

If anyone knows anything about this and has any ideas of what she can do to help her doggy, please let me know.

No BRIDEZILLAS here!

Today was a fun day! Arthur, myself and SisterSister (Arthur's other sister by her dad), spent the morning with Arthur trying on wedding gowns and SisterSister trying on brides maids dresses. It was so much fun! And there were NO BRIDEZILLA tendencies from Arthur! She was actually quiet calm and relaxed throughout the entire morning!

I think a lot of that was due to the fact that SisterSister was so helpful and thoughtful! As soon as she got the idea of what type of dress Arthur wanted (not too plain, not too fru-fru, some beading, not too much lace, no strapless gowns) she began pulling dresses off the racks for Arthur to try on. They both went into a dressing room and SisterSister helped Arthur pull on dresses. I waited on the other side of the door, holding my breath.

The first dress she put on was gorgeous! The second dress she put on was...gorgeous. And well, the last dress she tried on was, well, gorgeous! Arthur's weight loss was very evident in these form fitting gowns. She looked beautiful in them. The last dress she tried on looked absolutely stunning on her, and that was her final choice. It is hard to believe she found a dress she loves on her first trip to try on dresses. We placed our order with the lovely Ms. Madeline at Formally Yours in Lilburn. She and her assistant were absolutely wonderful. They were so sweet and helpful.

Next, SisterSister tried on several dresses from the brides maids collection. SisterSister is sooooo tiny! One sample dress was a size twelve and the shop girl had to clip the dress in several places to make it fit her size 0 body! She made the dress look wonderful! That was the one Arthur chose to be part of her wedding 'bouquet' as Ms. Madeline described it.

Now, we just have to get the other three bridesmaids fitted and all the dresses can be ordered.

Next, we all three had lunch at Johnny's Pizza on Sugarloaf Parkway, where you can get pizza by the slice. It was fun to have lunch and all three of us just sit and talk and get caught up on every one's news and lives. It was fun to be a part of all this!

Here is Arthur and SisterSister after shopping...see the smiles!

I'm Leavin' on a jet plane...

Courage left Friday evening...on a jet plane. She'll be home late Sunday...I'll miss her. But she'll be home soon. She's visiting the BF at Camp LeJuene. She's a big girl now. Oh, and this was her first experience in flying and she went ALONE!!!! That's why she's called 'Courage'!!!

I had a little 'fun' with John Denver's song...'Leavin on a Jet Plane'. She'll probably kill me...

All her bags are packed
and she's ready to go
she's standing here just outside the door
I hate to drive her here to say goodbye

But I've known this was coming
since early morn
She's waiting for me
she's blowing her horn
Already I miss her so bad that I could die

So she kissed me and smiled for me
she said I know you'll wait for me
Then I held her like I'd never let her go
Cause she's leaving on a jet plane
Gone to see that boyfriend again
Oh babe, I hate to see you go

There are many times you've made this trip
but the times before I didn't need a stiff upper lip
I've gone with you or you took your best friend
Every time you go, I think of you
as you were not long a ago, my little girl
When you come back, will you have a wedding ring?

So I kiss you and you smile for me
You tell me you will be back for me
You hold me like you'll never let me go
Cause you're leaving on a jet plane
I know you'll soon be back again
Oh babe, I hate to let you go

Now the time has come for you to leave
one more time
let me kiss your cheek
then I'll close my eyes
and you'll be on your way
You'll dream about the days to come
Than you will spend with your boyfriend
About the times I will not have a say

Oh kiss me, and smile for me
Tell me that you'll come home to me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
Cause you're leaving on a jet plane
I know you'll soon be home again
Oh babe, I hate to see you go

But you're leaving on a jet plane
You better hurry back to me
Oh babe, I hate to see you go

The BIG Three - Zero!!!!

Just a quick note...Arthur hit another milestone in her weight loss journey today! She has now lost 30 pounds! Actually 30 point something...but I can't remember the point something! 30 pounds!!!! She is looking awesome! She is also very close to meeting her next 'goal'. I am soooo proud of her!

Me, I lost .6 of the pound I gained last week...so I am back on track. I hope I am anyways. I've been very bad about food journaling this past week, so I am going to make an extra effort to get back to keeping my food log everyday. I don't have the time or daylight to exercise as I am accustomed to, so I have to compensate by watching the calorie intake better. The winter months is when I usually pick up the pounds. It's the inactivity and the holiday eating that gets me every time! Now, add stress of helping plan Arthur's wedding and a new job to that mix, and I feel a layer of blubber growing!

Halloween Pics

I didn't dress up for Halloween this year. I wore a Halloween t-shirt as did some of my co-workers. But my cousin dressed up as a drama queen, and one co-worker was a she-devil. There wasn't alot of dressing up, but there was plenty of food to eat and share. We had 6 different chillis to choose from along with corn bread and all the fixin's. And desserts. Yum! The desserts!

Home Improvement Updates

The home improvement projects are nearly finished. The house is painted, the new roof is on, the porch is screened. The only things left are the new retaining wall, a couple of ceiling fans to install on the porch, and I think that will be all. Here are a few pics of the porch and paint jobs, and the new generator. Usually, if there is even a small storm our electricity is knocked off...along with everyone else on the street. With the new generator, we should be able to still have heat and keep the frozen food frozen.
*note* The lighting in some of the pics make the house look yellow. It is NOT!