Had a wonderful Christmas....

Peaceful...

Family and Friends.


What a blessing!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I am sooooooo sleepy today.

We may get to shop today. I hope so.

Ghosts?

Are they real? Do you believe in them?

Handling what life gives you....

My mother has Alzheimer's...she is going down fast mentally.

She spent the night at my house last night and will probably do so again tonight...I want her used to the house...she feels pretty comfortable..comfortable enough to let me know my refrigerator is cleaner than she has ever seen it. She knows where the cups are, the towels, and the broom - she likes to sweep. She made Sam's bed...it was bedtime. Ha!

I hate that we .... she has to go through this. Though it has been almost 9 years since Dad passed away...the memories of his fight with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are fresh in my mind - as if they were yesterday.

Each day will be an adventure...sad, funny, confusing, chaotic all at the same time.

Turn around moment...

We all have them, those turn around moments, some call them LIGHT BULB or A-HA moments.

A friend of mine, A.P. - gave me some advice or not so gently suggested to stop putting things off or avoiding issues...and I knew I am guilty of that - but didn't realize how much so until she said it.

Now, I have a long way to go to get things taken care of - but now I tentatively have a plan.

1. I am working on child support - should have done it a long time ago - and a huge weight has been lifted.
2. My sister and I have talked and share more this past weekend than we have in a long time. I am blessed to have her.
3. My mom - she won't get better - but we have a plan - though flexibility is key.
4. Most importantly...very important...I have drifted so far from God, that is why my priorities are not straight..that is why I have become an avoider of everything in life. I am not prayed up, confessed up, read up or even close in fellowship with other believers. I firmly believe that is why I am not seeing success, peace, and rest., fighting guilt..it is a painful lesson...but one I have learned from..now need to apply. I have to and need to allow God to change me.

I am also appreciative of my friends, D.C. in particular. She loves unconditionally. No judging. Just that warm voice on the other end of the phone.


I want to be a better mom to Tori and Sam.

I love my husband Steve - I need to do better by him...

Thank you for your prayers.

Well, heck. I am still sick. Pneumonia - to date I have had 15 shots, breathing treaments, and am the owner of an inhaler. I haven't slept in two nights because of coughing and such. Last night I gave up at 1:30 - got up and ironed. At least that is done.

We have taken a huge financial hit. I am worried about bills and Christmas. And I just don't feel good. I have no sick days left.

Ex-hubby totally behind (4 months-well three because when he lost his job we told him don't worry about Sept - now he is working two jobs) on child support...will have to take legal action - geesh I don't want to. I keep willing the mailman to bring a check that covers it. It is the last thing I want to do - I am dreading it - I hate hate controversy. I like to blend. The very fleshly part of me wants to keep the kids from going up to where he is (the plan is the day after Christmas - they really don't want to go - and we are picking them up earlier than usual - because they want to come home)- but that is not right. We just wanted to see some effort - I told him just to mail $25 a week until he could get caught up - that would cover haircuts and school stuff, you know? But if I go to child support services I am going to ask for also his part in regard to health insurance. I pray a check arrives today.

I am going to quit whining now....we have much to be thankful for.





In other news.....

Tori turned 18...we got her a camera and went shopping Sunday for a dress for "Oscar Night" (senior awards). She is doing well in school.

Sam is doing good in school also. He is growing up.

Steve is on vacation this week. He is just hanging out at the house. He went to dr with me yesterday.

Mom is still mom...wearing me out she is!

Updates...

My tripple whammy turned to pneumonia. Just now getting over it.

Mom is still mom...Alzheimer's a little worse.

Tori will be 18 this week...Happy Birthday Tori! Love you!

Sam is getting tall!

Have not bought the first Christmas present!

A coworker/supervisor passed away today after a battle with cancer. Active in church and community. He leaves behind his wife, two children, grandchildren and his 82-year old mother. No sibblings.

I hurt for his whole family - but it is his mother whom I ache for.

Pray for his family.

TRIPLE WHAMMY

STREP THROAT

BRONCHITIS

EAR INFECTION


WHO?


ME!!! UGH!!!!!

$8.63

Today I was in Dollar Tree- for those who don't know - this is a store where everything is a $1.00 - and I heard this elderly couple talking on an aisle- they were probably in their 80's - - they were planning 4 days worth of meals - they were waiting on their check that would be in the bank on Monday. They had spaghetti o's, a frozen pizza, soup, some vegetables, chicken salad, juice, bread, and a few other things. Well then I got behind them in line - and they didn't have enough money. $8.63 short.

They shouldn't have to worry about stuff like that - especially in a Dollar Store.

I was blessed to help out - but wonder if they will be in the same boat in a few weeks.

Mom has kept me busy for the past few days. I am ready for her to move in - just so I know everyone is in the same place and I won't be on the road as much. But I know her moving in will present a whole new set of challenges.

I haven't been feeling too hot of late - I am tired- not sleeping -stressed - I need a new job- the one I have doesn't pay enough-though they are very flexible with all that goes on in my life - that is a blessing. I am customer service - and people are so mean to folks on the phone. Be kind to all the customer service people you deal with - it really isn't their fault.

Tori has SENIORITIS - she is ready to be finished.

Sam is about to be a teenager - that will be fun.

Church is nice- we are fitting in with our new church family.

Finally.....

It feels like fall and it rained some last week. Whew it has been so very hot and dry.

Halloween is this weekend. Sam will dress as the Grim Reaper - the county in which we live - every community is on a different Halloween Schedule - makes it for a confusing but fun and busy time.

The kids have been away this week on fall break trips and such.

This mama bird is ready for the chicks to return to the nest. I missed them.

Tori came home last night bringing along with her dirty laundry, dishes left everywhere, an energy that missed terribly and a smile that brightens my world.

Sam is coming home today. I bet he will seem taller.

Needing to be needed.......

My mother spent the night with us on Friday night - I am actually trying to do this more often - to let her get used to the house and such, because I know one day - very soon - she will move in with us.

She wanted KFC - so that is what we had - KFC. She then offered to clean the kitchen - we didn't use any dishes and such (used paper plates) - and I told her as much - but she went in there anyway and started cleaning - well she detailed cleaned! (Her house is spotless) - she just cleaned and cleaned - enjoyed it. (she loves to clean and organize)

You know what she said to me? "Well, Becky, you can't help it if you work - and can't clean house." (like my house is a garbage dump! ha!)




But all kidding aside- this made me realized - she needs to be needed.

I am very tired today!

I have forgotten how to relax.

Or let me put it this way...I am not allowing myself to relax.

I used to read to relax..somehow that has been pushed to the side...but no more....I have started reading again and am enjoying it. Maybe it is not the straight into the night reading like I used to - but now it is a few minutes on my lunch break...or a few minutes before bedtime -but I am enjoying it.

This past week - I read my Bible more - now imagine how much better my week went! God is good ...and when you are closer to Him...life is better. Mind you not easier...just better knowing you are closer to Him.

________________________________________

Busy times.....

The new school year is busy as every. Both kids brought home pretty decent interim reports last night. Especially proud of Sam's math grade. Whoo hoo.

Tori's senior year seems to be flying by - I hope she is enjoying it. Sam is learning much in football - it is hard for him to practice a lot and not play a game - but his day is coming- we tell him he has to "pay his dues"

Mom is still the same - at times the Alzheimers is worse - and it is not a matter of if but when she moves in with us.

Work is okay for me - I want something else -and one day that something else will happen.

Church is great - we have started teaching children's church - kids are sweet and funny.

Steve is working hard - he was so tired last night.

Sam made the football team!

Yeah!

We are all so excited and very proud. He tried out and made it.

Way to go Sam!

Back to School..


Well - tomorrow begins the school year. Actually it is a 1/2 day for registration - then they start full time next week.

Sam's first year in middle school. Wow. I no longer have an elementary student in my household. I am about to enter the teen years with him.

Tori and Steve's youngest are about to enter their senior year. I can't believe my girl is a senior. I am so proud of her.