It's been so long, way to long. I am still working on my vacation post--there is so much to cover that it's been a bit time consuming. I promise, it is on it's way. If we are connected on facebook, feel free to check out the pictures. They are amazing--if I do say so myself.
Thanksgiving was wonderful! Eli ended up making it home. He was scheduled on reserve and as luck would have it, he didn't get called. So he flew home. Made it just in time for us to arrive together at his mom's. His mom hosted 16 people! Most were friends of the family. It was terrific. Growing up, my family would just spend it with the 4 of us. It was lovely but I do believe there is something wonderful about opening your home to others outside of your immediate family and sharing the spirit of Thanksgiving. Plus a whole lotta wine that is shared by EVERYONE, kicks up the fun notch as well.
The rest of the weekend was just as wonderful too. We mostly ate and drank ourselves silly. That is my kind of weekend! We opened up a 1000 piece beer puzzle that we some how aquired. It sucked us in on Saturday and Sunday and it is still not finished.
While the weekend was so good, it also was not so good. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, I received a call from my mom about my grandpa (her dad). He ended up in the hospital with a tooth infection that had gone bad. So bad that it caused a blood infection. After numerous efforts to give him a fighting chance on Thursday and the remainder of the weekend, it looked like he was going to pull through. He was out of the ICU and in a private room. Eating food and breathing through an oxygen tube through his nose. I called my mom this morning to check in on when he would be discharged. The light-hearted call I had originally intended to have with my mom did not happen. My grandpa was back in the ICU and his kidney's were failing. Mom, her sisters and brother decided this afternoon that all life sustaining support would cease to continue. As far as I know now, they've pulled the feeding tube. My mom's younger sister is flying in tomorrow. I am not sure when the rest of it will be pulled. I am sure it will only be a matter of days or day.
As I am writing this, I feel a pinch of denial. Denial that this is really happening. It was year ago to this week that we were in a similar situation with my dad's dad. He passed away on December 7th. My dad and I've decided that we are starting a petition with the rest of the family members on not dying during the month of December. I really don't think that this is too much to ask for.
This is just way to hard to stomach--I am not sure that my heart has healed enough from last year to say goodbye again.
Give yourself a big hug from me, dear internet.
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Randomness..
So, if I had to rate this week on a scale from 1-10. I think I would give it a 7.
Overall, I had a good week. Work is going well. I am rereading 7 habits of highly effective people. I've also decided to check out toastmasters in order to gain more confidence in public speaking. My first meeting is next Thursday. I am nervous, but I figure everyone that goes there is nervous for the same reasons, so I will be in good company.
Poppy training is going well. E and I are finally on the same page with training Poppy. We are totally buying into Cesar Milan aka Dog whisper's method of dog training. I do have to say it is working! I fully believe in the power of the walk. We are now walking her twice a day for at least 30 minutes. It has made a huge improvement. We still need to overcome her aggresiveness with other dogs when she is on leash but I am more confident then over that we will be able to fix it.
E is doing well with his flying. He is on reserve this month, which can sometime suck in terms of not getting flight hours. However, E is managing quite well. He is flying a ton, which is fantastic. Not only for the extra $$ we are getting but more importantly he is building his flight time. For a pilot, flight hours are EVERYTHING. I am just so proud of him and how proactive he is. It totally blows having him home only give or take 3 1/2 days a week. I do know that this isn't forever him commuting to his base in Chicago. Hopefully in the next few years, he will get picked up by another airline and be based here on the left coast.
What's been troubling me is that my two grandmothers' have been in & out of the hospital this month. It's been a revolving door between the two of them. Tonight I found out that my grandma morris is at the ER. She had a pacemaker put in a week ago and then had gallbladder surgery on Monday of this week. She was released on Wednesday but now is back in the ER tonight. We aren't sure what is going on. My other grandma, has been in and out for various reasons, but on Wednesday night, she fell at home, and broke her hip. She had surgery today and I heard she is doing well. My poor Grandpa finally got to see her today. He hasn't seen her since Wednesday night when they took her to the ER. I am worried, sad and just plain lonely. I couldn't get a hold of any of my girls to talk and E is in Chicago tonight.
Another thing that happened this week is that I was late. It was the first experience I ever had on being late. Mainly because since I was 18, I've been on BC. When I went off the pill, I missed the first month, but that was to be expected. Ever since that month, I've been right on schedule. While we aren't fully trying right now, we've also just decided what ever happens, happens. So what got me this week, is that finding out that I was late and looking at the calendar, realizing that there is really no way I could be pregnant, made me worry why I was late. Of course from the first day on that I was late all sorts of emotions kicked in. I will admit I did take a few HPTs and all of them were negative. After the 4th day, "it" showed. When it did. I will admit I was relieved but at the same time I was sad.
Maybe I am more ready then I give myself credit for. One thing is for sure, I hope my two grandmothers' and my one grandpa that is still alive will be around to see their great-grandchildren. That is my ultimate wish.
This is me with my grandmothers' at my wedding shower in Iowa.
Overall, I had a good week. Work is going well. I am rereading 7 habits of highly effective people. I've also decided to check out toastmasters in order to gain more confidence in public speaking. My first meeting is next Thursday. I am nervous, but I figure everyone that goes there is nervous for the same reasons, so I will be in good company.
Poppy training is going well. E and I are finally on the same page with training Poppy. We are totally buying into Cesar Milan aka Dog whisper's method of dog training. I do have to say it is working! I fully believe in the power of the walk. We are now walking her twice a day for at least 30 minutes. It has made a huge improvement. We still need to overcome her aggresiveness with other dogs when she is on leash but I am more confident then over that we will be able to fix it.
E is doing well with his flying. He is on reserve this month, which can sometime suck in terms of not getting flight hours. However, E is managing quite well. He is flying a ton, which is fantastic. Not only for the extra $$ we are getting but more importantly he is building his flight time. For a pilot, flight hours are EVERYTHING. I am just so proud of him and how proactive he is. It totally blows having him home only give or take 3 1/2 days a week. I do know that this isn't forever him commuting to his base in Chicago. Hopefully in the next few years, he will get picked up by another airline and be based here on the left coast.
What's been troubling me is that my two grandmothers' have been in & out of the hospital this month. It's been a revolving door between the two of them. Tonight I found out that my grandma morris is at the ER. She had a pacemaker put in a week ago and then had gallbladder surgery on Monday of this week. She was released on Wednesday but now is back in the ER tonight. We aren't sure what is going on. My other grandma, has been in and out for various reasons, but on Wednesday night, she fell at home, and broke her hip. She had surgery today and I heard she is doing well. My poor Grandpa finally got to see her today. He hasn't seen her since Wednesday night when they took her to the ER. I am worried, sad and just plain lonely. I couldn't get a hold of any of my girls to talk and E is in Chicago tonight.
Another thing that happened this week is that I was late. It was the first experience I ever had on being late. Mainly because since I was 18, I've been on BC. When I went off the pill, I missed the first month, but that was to be expected. Ever since that month, I've been right on schedule. While we aren't fully trying right now, we've also just decided what ever happens, happens. So what got me this week, is that finding out that I was late and looking at the calendar, realizing that there is really no way I could be pregnant, made me worry why I was late. Of course from the first day on that I was late all sorts of emotions kicked in. I will admit I did take a few HPTs and all of them were negative. After the 4th day, "it" showed. When it did. I will admit I was relieved but at the same time I was sad.
Maybe I am more ready then I give myself credit for. One thing is for sure, I hope my two grandmothers' and my one grandpa that is still alive will be around to see their great-grandchildren. That is my ultimate wish.
This is me with my grandmothers' at my wedding shower in Iowa.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
More things I have learned...
1) How to change a flat tire
2) How to find the hole in the tire and discovering that a hole in the sidewall of the tire means tire cannot be fixed.
3) How to know how much air needs to be in respective tire
4) Normally when you buy a new tire you get two new tires
5) I have to have my own costco membership to purchase new tire
6) How touch up paint when you buy a new can of paint
7) How a quart and half of paint will not paint a whole room and the ceiling this is after you buy a gallon of paint to paint the room and the ceiling and still does not paint the whole room
8) The blessed experience it is to have both my husband and I to have great relationships with our respected in-laws. We both actually enjoy seeing and spending time with them without the other person there.
9)As I have my own experiences, challenges, and break downs, my mom has had the same experiences, challenges and break downs. She is always there to listen and understand even though we are 2100 miles away from each other.
10) Making time for new friendships. It's those new friendships that can possibly get you through the hardest times.
Speaking of my mom. She just entered the world of blogging! Check out her blog and route her on!!! Mom's Blog
2) How to find the hole in the tire and discovering that a hole in the sidewall of the tire means tire cannot be fixed.
3) How to know how much air needs to be in respective tire
4) Normally when you buy a new tire you get two new tires
5) I have to have my own costco membership to purchase new tire
6) How touch up paint when you buy a new can of paint
7) How a quart and half of paint will not paint a whole room and the ceiling this is after you buy a gallon of paint to paint the room and the ceiling and still does not paint the whole room
8) The blessed experience it is to have both my husband and I to have great relationships with our respected in-laws. We both actually enjoy seeing and spending time with them without the other person there.
9)As I have my own experiences, challenges, and break downs, my mom has had the same experiences, challenges and break downs. She is always there to listen and understand even though we are 2100 miles away from each other.
10) Making time for new friendships. It's those new friendships that can possibly get you through the hardest times.
Speaking of my mom. She just entered the world of blogging! Check out her blog and route her on!!! Mom's Blog
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
1.2.3.4.10.25....30
30, that is how many freaking bug bites I have on my body. They itch like CRAZY!!!!!
Aside from the pictures, great tan, I have bug bites as a souveniour from our family trip to Belize.
Belize is amazing. Highly diverse geographically and culturally. The people are great and the food was even better. Can't say it was the best trip of my life--due to family drama. Some day I will share but since my blog is open for all the internet to see. I probably shouldn't discuss the gory details.
I will leave on that note with something positive... a beautiful beach picture
Aside from the pictures, great tan, I have bug bites as a souveniour from our family trip to Belize.
Belize is amazing. Highly diverse geographically and culturally. The people are great and the food was even better. Can't say it was the best trip of my life--due to family drama. Some day I will share but since my blog is open for all the internet to see. I probably shouldn't discuss the gory details.
I will leave on that note with something positive... a beautiful beach picture
Thursday, January 17, 2008
absence makes the heart grow fonder
taking a little break from my blog...trying to sort out some stuff in my head and heart. Haven't been able to share what is going on in my head for fear that I am being very selfish in my thoughts. We are leaving tomorrow night on a family vacation which I think will help me clear my head. see you on the flip side.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Thank you
I would like to thank everyone for their sweet,sweet thoughts and prayers. Eli and I did make it home to Iowa as well as my brother before my granddad passed. If you have ever witnessed someone pass then you know it is the most amazing thing to ever witness. I don't normally do recaps but I do need to put my thoughts down on what this past week was like....
Eli and I decided that we would take the red eye Monday night and arrive into Des Moines at 8am. My brother had already booked a flight from Seattle into Des Moines and he was set to arrive by 9am. My dad picks me and E up and takes us straight to the health center where my granddad was living. We arrive and my grandmother, i call her mommal (cross between mom and grandma) was there as was my mom, my uncle mike and pastor Millens. My granddad was in a deep state of sleep--he was doped up on morphine to help with the pain. I went over to him and put my hand on his and kissed his forehead. He twitched a little but I am not sure if it was his reaction to me or the morphine. I proceeded to talk to him in hopes he could hear my voice and told him to hang on just a bit longer for Bryan to get there. His breathes were getting longer a part so we knew it was only a matter of time.
Bryan arrived at 930am. We gave him some private time with granddad and then by 945am we were surrounding his bed holding hands. The Pastor said a prayer for my granddad to go on home and that we were ready for him to go. We all said the Lord's prayer together. I think this is the first time in my life I felt proud that I knew the Lord's Prayer--which is something that I learned from my granddad and mommal. As his breathes were getting longer, the tears were falling, I cried out, I love you Granddad as we all thought this was it...what felt like an eternity of no breathing, he came back with a heavy and deep breathe--this put everyone into a fit of laughter amongst the tears.It was tension breaker. However,after that last deep breathe, it was over. 10am on 12/4 my beloved granddad went home to his maker. This was exactly a week before his 79th birthday.
I left the room shortley there after and took a walk with my husband. I felt complete peace. It was the strangest feeling. Tuesday night, the family gathered at my mommal's. We had an abundance of food--special thanks to my uncle's friends who certainly made sure the grandkids were well fed. The grandkids pick out pictures for the slideshow and the adults tended to the funeral planning. It was so great to look at all these pictures of my granddad--even though I had seen so many of them before. This time around I could actually see my granddad's spirit in these pictures. Jump to Thursday and that is when the sadness started to creep in.
Thursday night was the visitation. Des Moines got hit with a bad snow storm. Despite the snow storm we had an estimated 140 people come to the visitation. It was wonderful to see so many people who came out to pay their respects and share wonderful, heart warming stories about my granddad. I always knew this man was special but hearing these stories really reinforced it. Friday was the funeral. My mommal decided to do an untraditional funeral service. The service was truly a celebration of my granddad's life. My dad did the eulogy. Eli and Bryan did a reading. We had someone playing the alto sax in a jazzy version of amazing grace. I want to find this version and add it my mp3 player. It brought tears to my eyes when I heard this. During the recessional, the family walked out to the song "When the saints go marching in" This song conjuers up a warm memory of my granddad banging on the piano playing this song and singing his heart out.
We went to the cemetery and had a quick grave side service. My granddad was in the military so we had a military person playing taps on the bugle. Oh wow is that the saddest thing I have ever heard. Once the graveside service was completed, I walked past the casket, I put my hand on it and whispered "I love you". Ever since yesterday I have had an empty feeling in my heart. This new feeling of a hole that now resides in my heart. I asked Eli about this and if he experienced the same thing last year when his grandpa died. He said yes, he felt the same way. Over time the feeling will subside but you will never be able replace that hole in your heart for that person.
I am so thankful I made it there on Tuesday. I can't believe I have been gone for a week and missed a whole week of work but after what I experienced with my family. I don't even care that I will most likely have to have last week go unpaid.
FRANCIS W. (JIM) MORRIS
Urbandale
Jim Morris, 78, formerly from West Des Moines died peacefully, surrounded by family, Tuesday, December 4, 2007 at the Deerfield Life Care Retirement Community on Hickman Road in Urbandale, Iowa.
Jim was born December 11, 1928 in McWhorter, West Virginia. On June 27, 1946 he was united in marriage to Phyllis Badgett of Fairmont, West Virginia.
He graduated from Fairmont High School in 1946 and went on to Fairmont State University where he graduated cum laude with a BS in Business Administration. He served two years in the Army at Fort Benning, Georgia from 1950 through 1952. He worked for General Mills for 36 years which took him from Parkersburg, WV, Columbus, OH, Cincinnati, OH, Chicago, IL and then to Des Moines, IA, in 1967 as a district sales manager. Retiring from General Mills in 1988, he then volunteered at the Polk County courthouse as a small claims mediator. He enjoyed worshiping his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by serving on many church boards, singing, directing music, spreading the good news, leading bible study and greeting visitors on Sunday mornings. His favorite bible passages come from Psalms 121 and John 14 with special love of John 14:2, "In my father's house are many rooms; if it were not so would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?" In his leisure time Jim would garden, and he enjoyed watching football and baseball, especially when it came to the Chicago Cubs, da-Bears, and the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Jim is survived by his wife, Phyllis; son, Larry (Diane) Morris of Atlanta, Georgia, son, Mike (Jan) Morris of West Des Moines, Iowa; granddaughter, Heather (Eli) Robbins of San Francisco, California; grandson, Bryan (Amy) Morris of Snoqualmie, Washington; granddaughter, Alexandria Morris of Iowa City, Iowa; granddaughter, Samantha Morris of West Des Moines; sister, Alice Lee (Jim) Rogers of Clarksburg, West Virginia; brother, Buddy (Mary Louise) Morris of Tyrone, Georgia; sister, Jane (Wendell) Beveridge of Niles, Ohio, as well as four nephews and six nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Waitman Wayne and Mable Morris of Fairmont, West Virginia.
Visitation will be Thursday, December 6, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 3900 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, IA.
Funeral services will be at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church on Friday, December 7, at 10:30 a.m.
The family requests no flowers. Memorial contributions can be made to Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 3900 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265 or the Alzheimer's Association, 1730 28th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50266, http: //www.alz.org/greateriowa/in_my_community_donate.asp
Eli and I decided that we would take the red eye Monday night and arrive into Des Moines at 8am. My brother had already booked a flight from Seattle into Des Moines and he was set to arrive by 9am. My dad picks me and E up and takes us straight to the health center where my granddad was living. We arrive and my grandmother, i call her mommal (cross between mom and grandma) was there as was my mom, my uncle mike and pastor Millens. My granddad was in a deep state of sleep--he was doped up on morphine to help with the pain. I went over to him and put my hand on his and kissed his forehead. He twitched a little but I am not sure if it was his reaction to me or the morphine. I proceeded to talk to him in hopes he could hear my voice and told him to hang on just a bit longer for Bryan to get there. His breathes were getting longer a part so we knew it was only a matter of time.
Bryan arrived at 930am. We gave him some private time with granddad and then by 945am we were surrounding his bed holding hands. The Pastor said a prayer for my granddad to go on home and that we were ready for him to go. We all said the Lord's prayer together. I think this is the first time in my life I felt proud that I knew the Lord's Prayer--which is something that I learned from my granddad and mommal. As his breathes were getting longer, the tears were falling, I cried out, I love you Granddad as we all thought this was it...what felt like an eternity of no breathing, he came back with a heavy and deep breathe--this put everyone into a fit of laughter amongst the tears.It was tension breaker. However,after that last deep breathe, it was over. 10am on 12/4 my beloved granddad went home to his maker. This was exactly a week before his 79th birthday.
I left the room shortley there after and took a walk with my husband. I felt complete peace. It was the strangest feeling. Tuesday night, the family gathered at my mommal's. We had an abundance of food--special thanks to my uncle's friends who certainly made sure the grandkids were well fed. The grandkids pick out pictures for the slideshow and the adults tended to the funeral planning. It was so great to look at all these pictures of my granddad--even though I had seen so many of them before. This time around I could actually see my granddad's spirit in these pictures. Jump to Thursday and that is when the sadness started to creep in.
Thursday night was the visitation. Des Moines got hit with a bad snow storm. Despite the snow storm we had an estimated 140 people come to the visitation. It was wonderful to see so many people who came out to pay their respects and share wonderful, heart warming stories about my granddad. I always knew this man was special but hearing these stories really reinforced it. Friday was the funeral. My mommal decided to do an untraditional funeral service. The service was truly a celebration of my granddad's life. My dad did the eulogy. Eli and Bryan did a reading. We had someone playing the alto sax in a jazzy version of amazing grace. I want to find this version and add it my mp3 player. It brought tears to my eyes when I heard this. During the recessional, the family walked out to the song "When the saints go marching in" This song conjuers up a warm memory of my granddad banging on the piano playing this song and singing his heart out.
We went to the cemetery and had a quick grave side service. My granddad was in the military so we had a military person playing taps on the bugle. Oh wow is that the saddest thing I have ever heard. Once the graveside service was completed, I walked past the casket, I put my hand on it and whispered "I love you". Ever since yesterday I have had an empty feeling in my heart. This new feeling of a hole that now resides in my heart. I asked Eli about this and if he experienced the same thing last year when his grandpa died. He said yes, he felt the same way. Over time the feeling will subside but you will never be able replace that hole in your heart for that person.
I am so thankful I made it there on Tuesday. I can't believe I have been gone for a week and missed a whole week of work but after what I experienced with my family. I don't even care that I will most likely have to have last week go unpaid.
FRANCIS W. (JIM) MORRIS
Urbandale
Jim Morris, 78, formerly from West Des Moines died peacefully, surrounded by family, Tuesday, December 4, 2007 at the Deerfield Life Care Retirement Community on Hickman Road in Urbandale, Iowa.
Jim was born December 11, 1928 in McWhorter, West Virginia. On June 27, 1946 he was united in marriage to Phyllis Badgett of Fairmont, West Virginia.
He graduated from Fairmont High School in 1946 and went on to Fairmont State University where he graduated cum laude with a BS in Business Administration. He served two years in the Army at Fort Benning, Georgia from 1950 through 1952. He worked for General Mills for 36 years which took him from Parkersburg, WV, Columbus, OH, Cincinnati, OH, Chicago, IL and then to Des Moines, IA, in 1967 as a district sales manager. Retiring from General Mills in 1988, he then volunteered at the Polk County courthouse as a small claims mediator. He enjoyed worshiping his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by serving on many church boards, singing, directing music, spreading the good news, leading bible study and greeting visitors on Sunday mornings. His favorite bible passages come from Psalms 121 and John 14 with special love of John 14:2, "In my father's house are many rooms; if it were not so would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?" In his leisure time Jim would garden, and he enjoyed watching football and baseball, especially when it came to the Chicago Cubs, da-Bears, and the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Jim is survived by his wife, Phyllis; son, Larry (Diane) Morris of Atlanta, Georgia, son, Mike (Jan) Morris of West Des Moines, Iowa; granddaughter, Heather (Eli) Robbins of San Francisco, California; grandson, Bryan (Amy) Morris of Snoqualmie, Washington; granddaughter, Alexandria Morris of Iowa City, Iowa; granddaughter, Samantha Morris of West Des Moines; sister, Alice Lee (Jim) Rogers of Clarksburg, West Virginia; brother, Buddy (Mary Louise) Morris of Tyrone, Georgia; sister, Jane (Wendell) Beveridge of Niles, Ohio, as well as four nephews and six nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Waitman Wayne and Mable Morris of Fairmont, West Virginia.
Visitation will be Thursday, December 6, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 3900 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, IA.
Funeral services will be at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church on Friday, December 7, at 10:30 a.m.
The family requests no flowers. Memorial contributions can be made to Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 3900 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265 or the Alzheimer's Association, 1730 28th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50266, http: //www.alz.org/greateriowa/in_my_community_donate.asp
Monday, December 03, 2007
One wedding and one funeral
talk about highs and lows....I learned on Friday that my granddad was admitted into the hospital for pneumonia. With his body and mind already detoriated he didn't have the strength to fight off the infection. He was moved into hospice and making him comfortable is the ultimate goal. I had a good cry on Friday and was able to suppress the sadness and turn it into happiness for my best friend and her wedding. The wedding was GOREGOUS and so much fun! She even got her white wedding as it started snowing during the ceremony so as we opened up the church doors you could see the snow blowing like you were in a snow globe.
Today I am back in SF and received a call around lunchtime from my mom telling me I need to get on a plane and come to Des Moines. Eli and I are taking the red eye tonight. I left work this afternoon and managed to finish out the day working from home. I tried to say good bye to him over the phone but just couldn't say the words. I am not sure if he will make it through the night, part of me wonders if he is waiting for his two grandkids to come home. My brother and I arrive tomorrow morning.
Even though I knew this day would come, I was not prepared for the deep sadness I feel. This is the first of my four grandparents to go. I am so very fortunate to had my granddad in my life for this long. He wasn't able to make it my wedding but in his mind he was there and he would tell you that he was there :)
Today I am back in SF and received a call around lunchtime from my mom telling me I need to get on a plane and come to Des Moines. Eli and I are taking the red eye tonight. I left work this afternoon and managed to finish out the day working from home. I tried to say good bye to him over the phone but just couldn't say the words. I am not sure if he will make it through the night, part of me wonders if he is waiting for his two grandkids to come home. My brother and I arrive tomorrow morning.
Even though I knew this day would come, I was not prepared for the deep sadness I feel. This is the first of my four grandparents to go. I am so very fortunate to had my granddad in my life for this long. He wasn't able to make it my wedding but in his mind he was there and he would tell you that he was there :)
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Let's try some pictures..shall we
my new "do"
little rae rae making eyes at her uncle eli
Raelyn watching football with her uncle eli and daddy
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Made it!
After waking up at 430am and getting to the airport at 5am, crusing the various ticket counters to see which airline would be so kind to let me board their boeing..Northwest Airlines won!!! I flew from OC to Minneapolis and then Minn to Des Moines. I barely made to the flight as I had haul my booty from one side to the airport to the other. I was so thankful the little puddlejumper had some open seats for me.
Ah, back in Des moines. It is a relief to be here again and not be crazed with wedding stuff. This time last year I was a little over a month out from the wedding and as soon as we drove in from Chicago, it was a race to get everything we needed to get done. Now I am back to hanging out with the grandparents.
Last night I hung out with my momma (her picture is on the side bar) We went out to dinner, had some drinks and stayed up talking until 1am. We do a good job spanning the topics. Now that I am married some new ones popped up--sexy time. I could not believe I was discussing sexy time with my grandmother. My how I have grown up.
Tomorrow will be devoted to my other grandparents. They are mid 80's and filled with pure stubborness. They are still kicking it in their home my mother grew up in. I will be running them around for various errands that they need done. It will be good for us to be together, but I will need to take an extra patience pill with me.
Thursday I leave again for MI--I am hoping the airplane gods cooperate again!
Ah, back in Des moines. It is a relief to be here again and not be crazed with wedding stuff. This time last year I was a little over a month out from the wedding and as soon as we drove in from Chicago, it was a race to get everything we needed to get done. Now I am back to hanging out with the grandparents.
Last night I hung out with my momma (her picture is on the side bar) We went out to dinner, had some drinks and stayed up talking until 1am. We do a good job spanning the topics. Now that I am married some new ones popped up--sexy time. I could not believe I was discussing sexy time with my grandmother. My how I have grown up.
Tomorrow will be devoted to my other grandparents. They are mid 80's and filled with pure stubborness. They are still kicking it in their home my mother grew up in. I will be running them around for various errands that they need done. It will be good for us to be together, but I will need to take an extra patience pill with me.
Thursday I leave again for MI--I am hoping the airplane gods cooperate again!
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Still in my PJs and loving it plus other randomness..
1) It is saturday morning at 11:15am and I made a personal choice to stay in my PJ's this morning. With all the chaos is going on this month. I decided to forgo Yoga this morning and sleep in. Poor Louie (my cat) didn't know what was going on. He tried to wake me up at 8am when I normally wake up to go to Yoga and when I didn't move, he decided all was okay and he was going to sleep in too. He was cuddled up right next to me with his paws covering up his eyes.
2) We finally were able to get the missing pieces of paper for our BMW. THis all went down last week. Now we can register the car and start on the necessary mechanical issues that need to be fixed in order for me to start driving it. YEAH!! And we can focus on selling our Jeep--which will enable us to be car payment free for awhile!
3)My brother's wedding was terrific. I really do feel 100% about this marriage. What did it for me is when A walked up to the altar to meet my brother. She was bawling the whole walk down the aisle. She took his hand that he held out for her, faced the crowd and looked over at him and mouthed " I love you". My heart melted for my little brother. My mom and I were in tears the whole weekend and we realized why--he has found true happiness and love. Everything that he was searching for, he found in his beautiful bride. I have comfort in the fact that those two will always beat to their own drum and do what they want to do. E and I made a pact that we are going try to get together with them as often as we can because we want to start to forge a closer relationship. My hope is that my brother and A will want to as well.
4)We saw the new Harry Potter movie last night. I remembered why I couldn't get through that book--very dark and scary! E is a harry potter nut! He is dying to receive the 7th book. I decided that I would pick up the series again and read the 6th book and when he is done I will read the 7th. However, me not having any patience at all, I am so dying to hear what happens at the end of book 7.
5) Private or not private blog? I know this question has been raised by other bloggers a number of times lately. Each time I have responded to those internet friends, "do what you need to do, it is your choice." Now when I am faced with the choice and I am not sure what to do. There are few things that I can't blog about just yet for the fear of not knowing who is reading this. Part of me loves the fact if there those whom I do not know reading this blog and enjoy reading it, I would hate to shut them out. On the flip side, this blog has become my diary...i used to keep one as a kid and teenager. However this diary includes the warm advice and thoughts of others that I have come to know through their blogs. I trust and value their opinions so I don't want to hold back more of my thoughts or share in what is taking place in our lives.
6) I want so badly for my parents to sell their house in MI. They are in midst of a move to Atlanta. My dad is there now living in an apartment. Since May he has been separted from my mom. My mom is still in Michigan trying to get their house sold. My parents are high school sweethearts. Together in their marriage they have moved all over the country and have experienced this situation numerous times. However, I think this time the uncertainly of whether or not the MI house will sell has taken its toll on them. I am going to take some time off in September to go hang with my mom. I miss her so much. We were so spoiled when I lived in Chicago and they were in Ohio and then especially when they moved to MI. We were short drive away.
7) My favorite picture of my aunts and my girl cousins.
2) We finally were able to get the missing pieces of paper for our BMW. THis all went down last week. Now we can register the car and start on the necessary mechanical issues that need to be fixed in order for me to start driving it. YEAH!! And we can focus on selling our Jeep--which will enable us to be car payment free for awhile!
3)My brother's wedding was terrific. I really do feel 100% about this marriage. What did it for me is when A walked up to the altar to meet my brother. She was bawling the whole walk down the aisle. She took his hand that he held out for her, faced the crowd and looked over at him and mouthed " I love you". My heart melted for my little brother. My mom and I were in tears the whole weekend and we realized why--he has found true happiness and love. Everything that he was searching for, he found in his beautiful bride. I have comfort in the fact that those two will always beat to their own drum and do what they want to do. E and I made a pact that we are going try to get together with them as often as we can because we want to start to forge a closer relationship. My hope is that my brother and A will want to as well.
4)We saw the new Harry Potter movie last night. I remembered why I couldn't get through that book--very dark and scary! E is a harry potter nut! He is dying to receive the 7th book. I decided that I would pick up the series again and read the 6th book and when he is done I will read the 7th. However, me not having any patience at all, I am so dying to hear what happens at the end of book 7.
5) Private or not private blog? I know this question has been raised by other bloggers a number of times lately. Each time I have responded to those internet friends, "do what you need to do, it is your choice." Now when I am faced with the choice and I am not sure what to do. There are few things that I can't blog about just yet for the fear of not knowing who is reading this. Part of me loves the fact if there those whom I do not know reading this blog and enjoy reading it, I would hate to shut them out. On the flip side, this blog has become my diary...i used to keep one as a kid and teenager. However this diary includes the warm advice and thoughts of others that I have come to know through their blogs. I trust and value their opinions so I don't want to hold back more of my thoughts or share in what is taking place in our lives.
6) I want so badly for my parents to sell their house in MI. They are in midst of a move to Atlanta. My dad is there now living in an apartment. Since May he has been separted from my mom. My mom is still in Michigan trying to get their house sold. My parents are high school sweethearts. Together in their marriage they have moved all over the country and have experienced this situation numerous times. However, I think this time the uncertainly of whether or not the MI house will sell has taken its toll on them. I am going to take some time off in September to go hang with my mom. I miss her so much. We were so spoiled when I lived in Chicago and they were in Ohio and then especially when they moved to MI. We were short drive away.
7) My favorite picture of my aunts and my girl cousins.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
We laughed, we cried, we partied till dawn...well almost
The wedding turned out better then we all could have imagined. My brother and his new wife were happy as can be. There were many laughs, some tears-- tears seem to happen when our family comes together--our emotions run so close to the surface that the pure happiness evolves into tears of joy.
E and I hung out with my cousins all weekend long and we managed to close down the bar both Friday and Saturday night. Seattle is beautiful depsite the rain.
We visited my friends T and S who now live in Seattle. It has been a few years since we have seen each other. I am so grateful for their friendship. I also met their cute little boy, Owen. He filled me up with cute baby smiles and sent me off on my way with a cute little wave of his hand.
It was a very good weekend! Here is my favorite picture of the bride and groom.
E and I hung out with my cousins all weekend long and we managed to close down the bar both Friday and Saturday night. Seattle is beautiful depsite the rain.
We visited my friends T and S who now live in Seattle. It has been a few years since we have seen each other. I am so grateful for their friendship. I also met their cute little boy, Owen. He filled me up with cute baby smiles and sent me off on my way with a cute little wave of his hand.
It was a very good weekend! Here is my favorite picture of the bride and groom.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Falling Behind
I am definitely lacking in my posting these days. The main reason is most of the stuff that is going on, I just can't quite talk about yet. Hopefully soon though. I appreciat everyone's thoughts from my last post. Many of you hit it on the head on the cause of my feelings regarding my brother's wedding. Truth of it is, I am not sure what to expect this weekend but I know no matter what I am there to support my brother and his soon wife and welcome them with open arms into our family. Many family members i have not seen since our wedding so it will be great fun to hang out rather then feeling like I need to circle room like we did for ours. My dress is hella sassy and my heels make me at least 5'6 so I am REALLY excited. hee hee.
The one annoying thing we are dealing with is we got scammed or so it seems on a car we recently purchased. We wanted to get rid of our jeep so we no longer have the heavy car payment to get something used with no car payment that would last for a year or two until we can get back on our feet. Once Eli does quit his southwest job and flies for Regional carrier his take home pay will decrease and his loan payments will kick next year--so instead of trying to stay ahead of the game--we got screwed! Bottom line the schmuck that sold us this car--did not give us all the paper work. We have the title but not the bill of sale from the dealership that sold the car to him. In order to register the car we need that. The guy is MIA and not returning any of our phone calls. We tried to call the dealership--no luck--private seller who sells cars wholesale to Mexico. WE got HOOOOSED. The sad thing is I love this little car--1994 black BMW that is in almost perfect condition. We would need to do some work on the transmission but we were more then willing to put forth the $$$ in this car. Blah. Thank goodness we did not sell the jeep. We are just now the proud owners of 3 freaking cars! 1984 volvo, 1994 BMW and a 2004 jeep cheroke. Yes, go ahead and laugh. We are nuts.
The one annoying thing we are dealing with is we got scammed or so it seems on a car we recently purchased. We wanted to get rid of our jeep so we no longer have the heavy car payment to get something used with no car payment that would last for a year or two until we can get back on our feet. Once Eli does quit his southwest job and flies for Regional carrier his take home pay will decrease and his loan payments will kick next year--so instead of trying to stay ahead of the game--we got screwed! Bottom line the schmuck that sold us this car--did not give us all the paper work. We have the title but not the bill of sale from the dealership that sold the car to him. In order to register the car we need that. The guy is MIA and not returning any of our phone calls. We tried to call the dealership--no luck--private seller who sells cars wholesale to Mexico. WE got HOOOOSED. The sad thing is I love this little car--1994 black BMW that is in almost perfect condition. We would need to do some work on the transmission but we were more then willing to put forth the $$$ in this car. Blah. Thank goodness we did not sell the jeep. We are just now the proud owners of 3 freaking cars! 1984 volvo, 1994 BMW and a 2004 jeep cheroke. Yes, go ahead and laugh. We are nuts.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Strugglin....
My brother's wedding is a week away. I am sad to say I am not sure how I feel about it. I will back up and let you in on the fact my brother and I have never been close. I was your typically bratty teenager and he was your typical aloof teenager. Never did we see eye to eye. I went to college, he visited me once. He went off to college, I never did visit. I moved to Chicago. I flew him up from school to surprise my parents when they were in town for my mom's birthday. In college he joined ROTC which after graduation he went to Korea for 18 months. He did Army Ranger School, became an Army Ranger. He went off to fight a war in Iraq, twice. He came back-he visited me in Chicago. He moved to Seattle. I am now going to Seattle for the first time next weekend for his wedding.
I barely know his soon to be wife. My husband is in the wedding. I am not. My brother and I were raised Jewish in an inter-faith marriage. My brother converted to Catholicism for his soon to be wife. My husband was asked to do the ceremonial Jewish prayer over the bread and wine for the rehearsal dinner. I cried when I found this out as this is something my grandpa would normally do but what crushed me was that I wasn't even asked to be apart of something that was the only thing my brother and I had in common. I looked at my wonderful, loving, caring husband through my tears and he asked me to stand next to him and we could say the prayers together. He said he would even try to teach me to sing them. This pulled a smile out of me b/c he and I both know I cannot carry a tune.
My mom says she needs me next weekend to be her rock. I am not even sure I can be a rock for myself let alone her. At least I have a cute dress and awesome shoes :)
I barely know his soon to be wife. My husband is in the wedding. I am not. My brother and I were raised Jewish in an inter-faith marriage. My brother converted to Catholicism for his soon to be wife. My husband was asked to do the ceremonial Jewish prayer over the bread and wine for the rehearsal dinner. I cried when I found this out as this is something my grandpa would normally do but what crushed me was that I wasn't even asked to be apart of something that was the only thing my brother and I had in common. I looked at my wonderful, loving, caring husband through my tears and he asked me to stand next to him and we could say the prayers together. He said he would even try to teach me to sing them. This pulled a smile out of me b/c he and I both know I cannot carry a tune.
My mom says she needs me next weekend to be her rock. I am not even sure I can be a rock for myself let alone her. At least I have a cute dress and awesome shoes :)
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Live Earth-Concerts for a climate in crisis
If you haven't heard of Live Earth, it is a bunch of concerts held on July 7, 2007 to support a climate in crisis. Many big name performers will on on stage in
US, UK, Germany, Japan, China, Brazil, Austrailia, South Africa to help generate awareness of how things need to change in order to save our precious earth.
E and I are super excited as E's cousin Terra Naomi is playing at the Live Earth Concert in UK.
She kicks ass!!! I have seen her play twice now once in Chicago at the House of Blues and another time in LA. Go Terra!
US, UK, Germany, Japan, China, Brazil, Austrailia, South Africa to help generate awareness of how things need to change in order to save our precious earth.
E and I are super excited as E's cousin Terra Naomi is playing at the Live Earth Concert in UK.
She kicks ass!!! I have seen her play twice now once in Chicago at the House of Blues and another time in LA. Go Terra!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Niece
My little niece is making her way into the world today! I can't wait to hear when she has finally made her entrance! E is about ready to hop the next southwest flight to Chicago to go meet little Raelyn.
I can't wait to see how he reacts when he meets this little girl. The Robbins' boys stand no chance when beautiful girls are in the room.
Raelyn Clara Robbins
June 23, 2007
8lbs, 7oz
21 inches long
4:16pm
Everyone is doing great! My SIL and Raelyn go home tomorrow.
I can't wait to see how he reacts when he meets this little girl. The Robbins' boys stand no chance when beautiful girls are in the room.
Raelyn Clara Robbins
June 23, 2007
8lbs, 7oz
21 inches long
4:16pm
Everyone is doing great! My SIL and Raelyn go home tomorrow.
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