A new love of facebook

Today we held the funeral for my father-in-law. He had been sick for several months. It was a very long and painful experience for him and difficult for those close to him to watch. Now, what does this have to do with facebook. Well, let me tell you. Mr. Illifornian used Twitter (something I haven't conquered yet) to update his facebook to keep our extended family informed of his father's condition. We weren't sure who was really keeping an eye on it but today we found out. We learned that several of his cousins used it to keep their parents up to date and I know while I was at work I would check it from time to time those last few days to know if I needed to leave work. You see he reached a point over the last few days that his condition literally changed hourly then the last day it changed within minutes. We've used it to share with friends and family regarding funeral arrangements and express thanks to those offering kind words. So, I have found that maybe there is something good about Facebook. Now, if I could just figure out how to Twitter.

The End Is Near...

The end of my first daughters high school education is ending. She graduated from Seminary (early morning bible study) tonight. She managed to get up every school day by 5:30 and go. She has worked hard, managed to adjust to being moved 2000 miles in the midst of her Junior year and land on her feet. She has sang in choir for 4 years, Editor of the school paper, Performed in various musicals at school and still has time for her 2 younger sisters. I am very proud of her and all of her efforts but what happened to the little red head with the braids? Eliza we are very proud of you. It has it's melancholy moments but I know she will do fine. She has managed to always find the positive in every situation. Oh, the tears will flow come Wednesday! Can she really be that old?

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day. As I was thinking about today and what it means I thought about the many different layers of moms I have known. My great grandmother whom my oldest daughter is named after. My husbands grandmother who we were able to visit with often this winter. I thought about my grandmothers and the memories I have of them. There were all the Christmas' that I wrapped presents and had a Kentucky Fried Chicken dinner with Grandma Dunbar. Or the ice cream cones my Grandma Palmer always had in her freezer for my kids. There are various aunts, and teachers that weren't necessarily my mom but had a huge impact on my life. But, really what about my mom.  She taught me that every holiday is a family event. She is someone who puts on makeup every morning no matter what. She makes sure that if the kids are asking for something I have said absolutely no to they have a good chance of getting it with her. She took care of me after my hysterectomy leaving dad for weeks. She doesn't care for cold weather but after moving to Illinois was there within the first 60 days in mid December to make sure we weren't freezing to death. She also makes the best butter cream icing I have ever had.  Love to all, Happy Mother's Day...

Prom

We have shopped, fluffed, curled, powdered and sparkled. This is the result. Oh and there was also that trip to look for a dress with dad. Mike was a good sport and took his daughter shopping for a prom dress. With my work schedule it just didn't allow much time for looking and then there was a store with a sale and between my work hours and life in general we were never going to make it. So, Mike went prom dress shopping. And well you can see the results. Liza loved her dress, and it looked like a million bucks on her. What do ya think? :) Looks good.

I Like Them...

I have a new found appreciation for my kids today. I have been following a case of 2 missing boys whose father didn't return them home from the area where we used to live. I kept hoping that they would be found in a neighboring state or the father would drop them somewhere and they would be found. Unfortunately sometimes things don't end well and this is one of those cases. I don't understand the mentality of someone who can hurt a child. To mean it is a sign of someone who is severely broken. This weekend I was able to spend time with my kids and I have decided that I really like them. I know that in the last 17 years or so there have been several days where I was at the end of my patience and felt overwhelmed. But, I would never thought in my worst nightmares of harming them. I just don't understand it. I hope you keep yours nearer to you this week. Have a good week. :)

The Surgery...

I've waited to post this because I thought I could do it and not get all mushy but never mind. 

Catie had her surgery, it went great. She is working hard with her physical therapy and now it's just a matter of time. Time to see how well she heals, time to wait til she walks on it, time for the incisions to heal, time for mom to get over watching her baby be wheeled into surgery and then wait 3 hours. It was rough but there was a giggle to be had that day. Around the 2 1/2 hour mark it was just Mike and I waiting for Catie to come out of surgery and we were way over the time that the dr thought it would take. So, I am pacing, trying to read, do a little embroidery, text, anything to keep me from loosing my mind. Mike, well Mike decided to try his hand at the circular loom for baby hats we were toting around. You see, we are trying as a family, to get several hats done. Mike had finally reached his breaking point and decided to try it. It was definitely a giggle. He couldn't figure out which way it was going and exactly what are we doing with the yarn. He did about 2 or 3 turn and that was enough. This hat may not make it to be donated. This one may be a keeper.....if we ever get it done. As for Catie, other than feeling way to good for her own good. She is recovering better than we could have hoped for but....time will tell. ;)

Ice Is Her New Best Friend...

We are home from surgery. We arrived at 11:00 they pre-oped her, didn't take her into surgery 'til 2 pm and she was in surgery for 3 hours. Her labrium has been debreeded her tendon within her right thigh has been "cut" and the area was pumped full of cortisone. And, while in surgery she was in traction to allow access to the area. We are home. It's tender. The nice recovery room nurse offered ice. Catie - not too sure. Mom advised YES we would love some ice. Ice went on and Miss Catie was amazed at the comfort it brought her. She enjoyed a post surgical red popsicle, was given a dose of pain meds for the road and she decided she was ready to roll. With very little fan fare we were out of there with ice for the road. So, we are home, she has the remote control and dad has gone to rent a movie. All is well, we'll go back to the surgeon on Thursday and start physical therapy in the near future. Oh and she is non weight bearing for approximately 6 weeks.  Pictures to come later. Thank you all for your care and concern. I will do my best to keep you all posted. ;) Jen