Happy 2019!

Wow!  Time sure has flown since I last posted.  If I don't create posts and backdate them, which I still might, my last post was in July 2017. There was one that year.  The last one before that was in mid to late 2016.

Well, I can tell you why I was a little busy in 2018 to write and publish.  I GOT MARRIED!

I will probably go back and create a post about that and the other major events leading up to my wedding.

One of my best friends, Jill Culmo, has started a new blog, Dr. Jill Reads.  I have always admired her for her reading.  As a child, she would read constantly. That wasn't me. I do enjoy reading, and I love sharing books, but she has such a passion, thirst for reading.

The first post of her new blog is what has led me here today.  For those who truly, truly know me, they know that I don't write or talk about things that make me too emotional.  Well, Jill's Headwinds and Tailwinds: Goodbye, 2018! post has me thinking and reflecting.

Please don't think I am trying to one-up her or anything or dismissing her grief. That is not what this is.  Her reflection, her feelings, her thoughts have led me to some reflecting and thinking too. I have prayed for Jill from the day her father was diagnosed with brain cancer.  With all I've been through, I knew a little something about how the whole experience would impact her. I pray for her now and the days, weeks, months, and years to come.  I pray for her sweet children who will not grow up with their grandfather.  I know a little something about that too.

My father passed away in March 2003.  It was unexpected in a sense.  He suffered a stroke, but he seemed to be doing great.  However, almost a week later, he had another one and passed away after a surgical procedure. My nephew was 19 months old, and my niece would be born 3 months later.  Honestly, I didn't truly mourn. That hurt and was more than I wished to really endure. I threw myself into work and life with my nephew and then niece when she was born.  I just kept taking one step after another and kept going.  No time for tears or hard reflection. I just kept going. And then, b/c I was so busy, time got away from me, and life happened, and I moved forward. I found it too hard to think of Dad, but there were times I would push through to tell my niece and nephew stories so they would know him--the best I could do and say for them to know him.

Years stick with you.  I tend to dread odd years. Yes, I realize I was born in one, and my amazing niece and nephew were both born in odd years, and those are highlights on my life's path, but I have had so much loss in odd years.  My maternal grandfather in March 1995, my paternal grandmother in 1999, my paternal grandfather in 2001, Dad in March 2003, my uncle (mother's brother) in March 2005, my maternal grandmother in February 2013, and Mom in June 2015. I dread the beginning of odd years.

I'm not sure about the terms headwinds and tailwinds. I know my husband could explain them to me and help me use them here, but Jill's post and reflection in thinking in those terms has me thinking about my life's path and the events that have shaped me and gotten me to where I am today.

Family is huge to me. I was truly blessed that my brother and sister-in-law not only lived near us when my niece and nephew were young, but they lived with us for periods of time too. I LOVED this! I was a part of my niece and nephew's daily lives. Even when they didn't live with us, we had family dinner nearly every night. Coming home and them running to meet me at the door with their arms open wide truly made my day each and every day. Our lives were intertwined, and I loved it. Dance practice, soccer practice, birthday parties, Boy and Girl Scouts, and so much more--I was there.

I assumed that this would continue. Our lives would be intertwined. I would be at every sporting, dancing, and school event through their high school graduation. I was wrong. And I felt I would die with the life changes that were thrown at me.

In June 2012, my brother and his little family moved to Converse, Texas. That is 5 hours away. I was devastated. I will be honest. I did not handle this well at all.

I would cry myself to work, and I would cry myself home each day. I didn't want anyone to see me cry. Except for my closest friends and co-workers, no one knew about my mourning--mourning for what was and what I thought would be. Mourning for my changing life.

My home and life went from one of constant busyness to one of tons of free time. I liken it to death, divorce, and empty nest syndrome all at once.  Anyone is difficult, but all three at once is extremely overwhelming and an experience I don't wish on anyone.

While I tried not to show my mourning, grieving, loss, and emotions, I know this impacted my personality and emotional state. A few intuitive folks at work and around me picked up on things, but I would not be honest with them about what was going on with me. I just kept pushing forward and trying to find ways to deal with my new life, my free time, and the pain I felt knowing that the relationship I had with my niece and nephew would be forever changed and never the same or what I thought it would be.

In the midst of dealing with this huge life change and the thoughts/emotions around it, my grandmother passed away. It was not expected at all. She passed away in her sleep. This was the lady who was always there for us. She was at every school event that my parents couldn't attend due to work. She was the one whom I hung out with on my days off during college. She taught me so much. Another important figure in my life that my niece and nephew would not get to know more as they grew older. Her loss hit me hard, but again, there was too much to do to sit and grieve, so I kept going.

It took Mom and me two years to go through everything in her house. We finally got it cleared out and fixed up to rent.

Just as this was happening, my mom passed away. Completely unexpected. My world was rocked.  One of the strongest women I know was gone. Another important person my niece and nephew will not have as they grow older.

How was I to move on?

Because I had assisted Mom with the business of death after my father passed away and then again when my grandmother passed away, I had some sort of idea of what to do when Mom passed away. I put it off a few weeks, but I knew I had to do it.  With my anxiety flaring, I made the necessary phone calls and handled all I needed to handle.

By Mom passing away in June, I had all summer to grieve and mourn. I don't know that I really did or could even tell you what I did to grieve, but it was great I had the summer and did not have to go immediately back to work with the other losses in my life.

My brother and his little family moved to Shawnee, Oklahoma. While that is a little closer, only 3.5-4 hours from me, it still didn't change the family dynamics.

The whole time I was "dealing," my body was failing me. I didn't understand and maybe it is a way my body was grieving. I don't know.  It took 18 months or more to finally diagnose me with Hashimoto's, Celiac, and Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome.  I knew my body was failing me, but I didn't know what to do or where to turn. When school started, I just took step after step, fell back into a routine, and kept going. My anxiety was becoming more of a problem, and after a situation at work in March 2016, I started my own research and sought help. With the Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome diagnosis and a change in my thyroid meds, things slowly started getting better.  It still took the rest of 2016 and into the beginning of 2017 for my body to recover and for me to think somewhat straight, but my everyday life started falling into place.

With all the changes and loss, family traditions started changing too. Do you know what it is like to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas in a hotel? Hard! Emotional! I don't wish it on anyone.

Where am I going with all this? God has placed me on this path for a reason. I have had the loss and changes to get me to where I am right now.

I have learned what it takes to get through the business of death--how to talk to companies, how to draw up Wills and Power of Attorneys, how to Probate a Will, what to expect with lawyers and courts/judges, how to find a property management company to take care of my property, how to work with a funeral home and plan a funeral, how to work with Hospice and hospitals, how to help a parent leave us and cross into Heaven, and so much more.

I also know that if God had not had my brother and his family move away from us, my life would still be intertwined with theirs and I would have no time or desire to date and move on with my life. As much as it hurts, had God not taken Granny and Mom, I would be caring for them now, and again, I would not be dating or looking to move on with my life.

I still worry about my relationship with my niece and nephew and wonder where their lives will lead. I am still quite lost when it comes to dealing with family and change.

However, a great man at church asked me out to lunch, volunteered to help me replace my shed doors, help me around my house, I said I'd help him launch his boat and go fishing, and well, the rest is history. God removed so much from my life, causing great pain and uncertainty, but He gave me an amazing man who puts me first and would do anything for me, who wants to make each day of my life better, and doesn't ever want me to be alone again.

God has amazing plans for each one of us. Throughout His plan, we find the faith to keep going and to believe, and in turn, we learn and change.

I now know about so much that I wouldn't have otherwise known. I am here to assist many when needed. I am still not the best friend or person to deal with loss or grief. I struggle like so many to say and do the right thing.  In some ways, I think it is b/c of how we deal with our own loss (or if we've dealt with it).

My life was amazing and moving along swimmingly, and then, it took a huge turn. Like I said, I still have concerns and wonders, especially when it comes to my niece and nephew, but I am now happier than I ever knew possible, and I have a man to live life with, that I never thought would happen.

2018 was busy and full of change. I am looking forward to a blessed 2019 of growing as a wife and figuring out this thing called married life. M nephew graduates from high school this year, so I am looking forward to seeing what God (and life) has in store for him.

As I come to the end of this post, I know there is so much more I could say and more connections I could make. Maybe another day.

Happy 2019, everyone!

One Year Ago, Saying Good-bye

One year ago, at 12:58 pm, Mom crossed over into Heaven, meeting God and reuniting with so many loved ones. Those minutes leading up to her last breath were the absolute hardest thing I've ever endured and completely change a person.

During those last hours on that final morning, we met with the hospital social worker to start discussing hospice. Through everything discussed with doctors and nurses, I thought we still at least had days or even weeks. Mom and God had other ideas. We chose a Hospice, and the representative was to arrive within the hour. A prayer warrior from Friendship Baptist Church in Mesquite (an outreach church grown from the one in Pleasant Grove where Mom and Dad were married and we have so many family ties) came and prayed over her with us. I will forever be grateful. It wasn't an hour later, and Mom went to Heaven.

Mom didn't like a fuss or to change everyone's plans. She knew what she was doing, no matter how hard it hurt (and still does). A dance recital, birthday, summer camps, and work were all on the schedule, and she hated messing with everyone's schedule. 

During her last days, she received 12 bags of platelets and 3 bags of blood. Over the last 10 years, she had multiple transfusions. If ever you can, be a blood and platelet donor. 

Thank you to everyone who has prayed with and for us over this last year. We greatly appreciate you and your care & support. Keep those prayers going. Grief has no time limit.

One Year Ago Today . . . My Life Began to Change

One year ago today, I spent the morning boxing up my office to prepare it for summer, wrapping up 18 years in public education. I grabbed a drink on the way to my summer school meeting, attended the meeting, and dropped off a big box of books & supplies I planned to use the next two weeks. I then went home to check-on Mom. She hadn't been feeling well after starting her fight against cancer again. She wasn't worried about how she was feeling, but when I got home, I overroad her wants and took her to Presbyterian Rockwall. She still insisted she was fine and didn't need a fuss. While we waited in the ER, we joked around & challenged each other to see who could read the smallest letters/row on the eye chart. Neither of us was too worried. She had handled so much in years past, so this was just one more experience. The Drs ran test and finally decided they needed to send her to Presbyterian Dallas b/c it is larger and has more resources. B/c it was evening rush hour, they decided to send her via CareFlight. 

Once I arrived in Dallas, I began working on finding a sub for my summer school class. Thanks a ton, Denel Comley, for agreeing to sub for two days before your vacation. 

Once I got to see Mom and they got her settled in ICU, she still insisted she was fine. We joked about how unfair it was she got to ride in a helicopter. We have had a lot of shared experiences, but this was one she had without me.

She was doing fine. She was tired, but she had her wits about her, knew what was going on, and was getting the medical help she needed.

The following morning, she wanted to know why I wasn't teaching summer school. She hated when people changed their plans for her. She wasn't too happy when I told her I chose to be by her side rather than summer school. 

Even though we had no answers and had no idea the outcome was going to be what it was, later in the day, without her knowing, I worked out a plan with the two ladies on the summer school sub list to cover the rest of my summer school duties. I'm so grateful they could step in and work it out. I appreciate our summer school administrator, Lisa Perry's, understanding and flexibility.

The next few days moved quickly, yet slowly. I still did not believe they would end as they did. 

Loss

I have talked about loss on here before, but this time, I want to talk about handling the death of a loved one.  Personally, I have lost all my great grandparents, grandparents, two great uncles, an uncle, my father, and now my mother.  I have seen and experienced loss.  Each one impacted me differently.  Some I dealt with fairly quickly, but others took months and even years to process.  One . . . I'm still processing and will for quite some time.

Granny passed away at home, and I was the one to follow the ambulance to the hospital to make final decisions, talk to the ME, and more. I had to take the lead on planning her funeral because Mom was in rehab with a broken ankle.  I assisted Mom with all the paperwork and important business b/c I was the Executer of the Will.

I learned a lot going through the process when Dad passed away--decisions we had to make, planning the funeral, buying cemetery plots for the family, and handling business afterward.  I learned even more when Granny passed away.  Even with all that experience, it was not enough to prepare me for Mom passing away and being the Executer of her Will.

Here are a few tips that might help you if you ever have to deal with the business left after a loved one passes away.

What should you do before you pass away to help your loved ones?

Write a Will
-My favorite line in Granny's Will said something about "If anyone questions the Will or decisions made, they will receive nothing."  That wasn't the exact wording, but it is close.
-Make sure the Executer of the Will or someone you trust knows where your Will is when time comes.
-Update your Will. Some write one when they are young or first married.  Time passes, things change, and Wills need to be updated.

Important Documents
-Bank Accounts, Safe Deposit Boxes/Keys, and other documents must be in a spot where the Executer of the Will or someone you trust can find them.
-Those planning the funeral will have to be able to get to money, so those accounts have to be available.
-Do you have insurance policies?  They need to know about these.

Funeral
-Plan your funeral and leave those plans where your loved ones can find them.
-Who do you want to officiate?  Music? Location? Burial? Sermon? Scripture? Flowers?
-Funerals cost money. How will yours be paid for?

Money
-Loss costs money. Money for the funeral, bills, flowers, food, survival, and more.
-Where will this money come from when you are gone and your loved ones are trying to plan and more forward?
-With a loss, families go from two paychecks to one. Some lose the one making the money. How will they move forward?

Automobiles and Mortgages
-Did you know you can pay monthly for a policy that when you pass away, these items are payed off? -Look into it.  How are your loved ones going to pay for automobiles or pay the mortgage?

Accounts
-If you are single, you have to put someone on your accounts.  They have to be able to handle your business when you are gone.

Property
-Houses and property have upkeep. Who will help cut grass, trim trees and shrubs, and more?

Probate
-I don't know the law in every state, but in mine, you have to Probate the Will and have specific documents to move forward with business. This cannot start until 30 days after death, and the process then takes 60 days.
-What money is available during this time?
-Probate is costly.


How can you help someone who has lost a loved one?
My friends, family, and co-worers have been amazing.  I receive phone calls, texts, and emails daily from at least one person just checking on me. My BFF has invited me over for Father's Day and Independence Day, two days I would have been home alone.

Set your calendar to check on your friend or loved one every week, two weeks, or month.  
-They need support after the funeral. More than a week or month after the loss.  It is on-going.
-Invite them to lunch or dinner.
-Don't forget about them, especially if they are now alone.

Do not go to those trying to survive asking questions about the Will, items you want, or about inheritance.  
-Those dealing with loss are not in the mindset to deal with what you want.  You must give them time, and a week or month is not nearly enough time. Period. They are doing the best they can to survive.
-Be respectful of their feelings and time needed.

Don't forget them. 
-Sometimes, when someone loses a loved one, they continue to have family around and loved ones to fill their days.  Other times, the loss leaves them alone.  Don't let them be alone.

Just show up.
-Not sure how to help?  They keep telling you they are fine?  Just show up.
Go cut the grass, weed eat, or trim trees.
-Take them a meal.
-Go over and offer to dust or do laundry.
-Drop off a gift card for food, groceries, or gas.
-Go over and sit and talk.

I'm sure, once I post this, I will think of several more things.  Each day is a new learning experience.  What company will call?  With what doctor did she have an appointment?  Be patient with yourself.  Work at your pace. Don't make any major decisions for a year.

Sickness, Decisions, and Good-bye

On Tuesday, I took Mom to the ER in a local town. What I didn't know at the time was that her Platelets and White Blood Cells were all but zero and her Red Blood Cells were almost that low.  The hospital couldn't care for her without a room in their ICU, so they CareFlighted her to the large hospital in another neighboring city.  She was doing fine, talking, etc.  They put her in ICU and gave her around 12 bags of Platelets and at least 2 bags of blood.  She was tired and sick, but she was fighting and hanging on.

On Wednesday, she was weak, but she was still mentally fine, talking when she could, and fighting. My brother came in, and we were on the same page with decisions.  However, we had absolutely no idea that time was running out.  We seriously thought we had months.  The doctors and nurses were amazing, caring, honest, and compassionate.

On Thursday, we were told that her numbers were not coming up and that her kidneys were failing.  Dialysis was not going to be an option.  Again, the doctors and nurses were wonderful.  Again, we didn't realize the time frame.  Mom talked to my niece and nephew--knowing exactly what they were doing, making perfect sense with her questions, etc.  The conversations sounded so normal and not anything like where we were headed.  When we left the hospital that night, they were moving her to a regular room to get some rest and would have Social Services meet with us on Friday.

On Friday morning, we talked with Mom. I could see her breathing was different.  We talked to Social Services and were lining up Hospice.  A prayer team from my Great Aunt's church came and prayed over her and with us.  After they left and before the Hospice nurse arrived, Mom passed away.

It happened so fast.  We thought we at least had a few days.  We had no idea we had minutes.
We had no idea it would happen like this. She went peacefully with my brother and I at her side talking to her.

We greatly appreciate your prayers during this time and for months to come.  I worry about my niece and nephew and them forgetting her.  Not having her there for all their big events.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

My amazing niece and nephew with me on the last seat of the train at the zoo.

My talented niece and nephew with my wonderful mom on Christmas Eve.

Thanksgiving Break 2014 and Toys for Tots 5K

We had a great Thanksgiving Break.  I have had this feeling that keeps me thinking . . . what if this is our last Thanksgiving with Mom.  Tomorrow isn't promised, and we have no idea what a year will bring, so I have decided to live up each holiday, moment, etc.  This may all be made up in my mind, but it is still a feeling/thought I have.

We went to spend several days with my niece, nephew, brother, and sister-in-law.

On Tuesday, after we arrived, we enjoyed a great dinner and went shopping for all the groceries needed for our Thanksgiving lunch.  We also picked up the last of the Science Fair project materials.

On Wednesday, we decided we weren't going anywhere until both Science Fair projects were completed.  Both needed to do the experiment portion, but they had the majority of the write-up finished.  By the time we left for lunch, they had done their experiments, finished their typing, and printed off their pages to put on their boards.  We then went to lunch and ran several errands and picked up a few Christmas gifts.  We also picked up the turkey, ham, dressing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and rolls, which we ordered from Luby's.  We find ordering the larger pieces makes things so much easier.  We ended our day with my niece making two pie crusts almost from scratch and then the two pie fillings.  My niece loves to bake, and I love to watch and help.  This time, I helped, but Mom helped even more.  I loved watching the two of them.  My niece loves Pumpkin Pudding Pie, which she learned in 1st grade from her teacher when they made it in class.  She also tried Pioneer Woman's Chocolate Pie, but in the end, it did not turn out.  We will try it again another day.

The kids did a great job helping to cook Thanksgiving lunch.  I realized days later that I never took any Thanksgiving Day pics.  Here is one of my nephew with the green bean casserole that he made.

On Friday morning, our first task was to go to Walmart to get the pics I had printed.  We needed them for their Science Fair projects.

Here is their finished work:

On Friday evening, my nephew was to volunteer with his Young Marine group to put out chairs, usher, and pick-up chairs at the San Antonio's Holiday River Parade & Lighting Ceremony.  My brother signed up my niece, Mom, and me to help.  This got us free lunch from a food truck, free viewing of the parade, and free dinner.  They will also get to attend a dinner in a few weeks put on from the sponsored for their gratitude toward volunteers.  While we worked hard to set-up hundreds of chairs, it was great helping people, meeting new people, and watching the parade.  It was a fun evening!

 These are just a few of the parade pics.

One of my favorite scenes was looking over to see Mom and my niece watching the parade together.  My niece had the program and was reading about the floats/companies as they entered our viewing area.

This morning, we woke up and got dressed as fast as possible to be at the Toys for Tots 5K by 8:00.  We made it just after 8.  Whew!  My nephew and his Young Marines group led the opening ceremony with the flags and National Anthem.  They also helped with the water station.  My niece agreed to do the Fun Run with me.  Yea!  It wound up being a 4K, and there were no more than 25 runners/walkers.  It was the weirdest thing I've ever experienced.  All the 5Ks I've done have had thousands of people.  This one had 25 max!  We were the only walkers, so we only did one of the two laps. I hated the thought of everyone being finished and us still out there.  My niece was great, seemed to enjoy it, and was happy to stop after one lap.  My niece and nephew have both agreed to do a Color Run with me at some point.

We celebrated at Starbucks with Frappuccino and Hot Chocolate.

It was a great break, and I absolutely hated leaving.

Happy Birthday to My Amazing Nephew!

Happy 13th Birthday to my adorably handsome, talented, intelligent, fun-loving, tender-hearted, kind, book loving, amazingly wonderful nephew! 

Bub, you changed our lives forever the day you were born, and I can't wait to see what your future holds. I hope you have the most amazing birthday and year yet! Love you more than you can imagine! Love, Auntie

A day of making memories with a little shopping, the movies to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and a little celebration with cake and presents.

Let the Birthday Spoiling Begin!

I am so excited that I got to spend the whole day with my niece and nephew.  With my nephew's birthday right around the corner, he got to plan our weekend of fun.  Today, we went to Chick-fil-A for breakfast, Main Event for a day of fun, and Genghis Grill for dinner. We finished off the day shopping for school supplies.

Summer Vacation 2014--Day 6

Today, we headed back, but we wanted to see what we could visit along the way.

During breakfast, we discussed our plan for the day.  We could either see anything else they wanted there near Ft. Davis (really, not much left) and then see whatever was available in the towns along I-10 on the way back OR we could go to Big Bend National Park and then see whatever we could along I-10 on the way back if it wasn't too late.  

We decided to go to Big Bend National Park.  We overlooked the Rio Grande Valley, saw the Rio Grande River, and looked across to Mexico while at the Hot Springs area.

My GPS said BBNP was a little over an hour away from Alpine, where we had out motel.  Well, that wasn't exactly true.  That must have been to the northern most point, but that was fine.  I can't remember how far it was to Marathon and then it was 70 miles to the park "gate" and then 2 miles to the check-in and then 26 miles to Panther Junction (kind of in the middle) and then 20+ miles to the Rio Grande Overlook and Hot Springs.  All was fine. Let's just say that I didn't adhere to the 45 mph in the park.  Too dang slow!  We figured we would actually see the Rio Grande River at the Rio Grande Overlook.  Nope!  We went to the Hot Springs, and we found water (a stinky portion of the river) and could see Mexico across. To get in and out of the Hot Springs area, you had to drive on the edge of a cliff (literally).  There were rocks jutting out on the passenger's side and nothing but drop off on the driver's side.  Yes, I was driving.  I was unnerved! There is one way in and one way out.  We went back to Panther Junction (had to get gas) and then back to Marathon.

We got to experience Border Patrol on our way back--3 officers and a dog.

Make sure you have plenty of gas in this part of the state.  Gas in Marathon was $3.95 a gallon, and it was $3.80-$3.85 in the Park.

The next town we came to was Fort Stockton.  Still not a lot of choices for places to eat.FYI:  They have no idea what gluten is, what it is in or not in, or even how to pronounce it.  Do not go to Subway b/c they do not have gluten free bread or Thousand Island dressing.  Also, the Sonic Manager was not friendly either, and thanks to him, we just ate on the road as we drove.  I was never more ready to leave a town than I was Fort Stockton today.

Our final stop was in Ingram where there is a replica of Stonehenge and the statues on Easter Island.  When I visited Stonehenge in England in June 1994, I was so disappointed I couldn't go stand in the very center.  I got to do that today in Ingram!

Summer Vacation 2014--Day 5

As we drove from Alpine to the Fort Davis Historic Site, we stopped to read two Historical Markers along the way.  One was the first location of a school back in the 1800s.  The other was the ruins of a ranch home of a pioneer, which was abandoned in 1854.  It was later used as a Ranger Station from 1880-1882.

We decided to stop at the Chihuahuan Desert and Nature Center too.  It had a botanical garden completely made up of native plants to the Fort Davis Mountains and Chihuahuan Desert.  We walked through the botanical garden and a cacti greenhouse.  We then took a hike down to a creek, which we thought had water in it, but it did not.  It had a mine with items actually used in mining.  We thought it was a working mine or an area where the kids could mine, but it was not.  More of a little museum dedicated to mining. While it is situated in the desert area, it was a neat experience.  Take bug spray and sunscreen or an umbrella.

At Fort Davis Historic Site, we watched a movie about the history of Fort Davis and visited the museum.

We then walked the Fort.  A few of the buildings were open as museums for us to see how life would have been.  When comparing life there then to life now, they are very different.

We asked a few people at the Fort for lunch recommendations.  They told us about the Fort Davis Drug Store, Lupita's, and Cueva de Leon.  We decided on the Fort Davis Drug Store for lunch and we would choose one of the other restaurants for dinner.

We arrived for a late lunch, somewhere between 12:30 & 1:00.  It was a "seat yourself" kind of place, and it was full, so we waited. The people in front of us got tables, and then we took a table--a little small, but with 5 chairs.  During this 15-20 minutes, no one greeted us or even spoke to us.  We sat at the table for several minutes before a waiter came to clear part of the table from the former patrons.  He said he would get menus and a waitress.  Didn't happen.  We waited and waited.  Either Mom or my sister-in-law went and found menus.  We changed to a larger table.  Still no waitress.  Finally, a waitress walked by, and my sister-in-law stopped her and asked her to get us a waitress.  You should have seen the look the waitress gave my sister-in-law and heard the tone she used.  If there was anywhere else to eat, we would have left!  Once our waitress showed up, things got a little better.  She was kind, apologetic, and took our order.  However, a very large group of ladies came in after us and got their orders well before us.  Thank goodness the food was delicious (or maybe we were just starving).  By the time we left, we had been in there well over an hour and a half to two hours.  

Not only are towns few and far between in this part of the state, but restaurants are few and far between in each town.  Also, they do not have the best customer service.

We decided to go back to Balmorhea State Park to swim until dinner.

After our swim, we went to Cueva de Leon for a Mexican buffet of fajitas, enchiladas, rice, beans, and more.

We ended our night with a visit to the McDonald Observatory.  The view of the stars was AMAZING!!  We were able to look through telescopes after the constellation discussion to see Saturn, Mars, a galaxy, and a nebula.

Summer Vacation 2014--Day 3

Today, we went to the Cave Without a Name near Boerne.  We forgot to ask why it doesn't have a name, but we did enjoy our visit.  It is a fairly small cave--about a quarter of a mile in and a quarter of a mile back out.

They had a labyrinth outside, so I explained what they are and had my niece and nephew experience it.  They didn't quite get it, but they enjoyed walking around the "maze."  They had an area outside to pan for gems too.

We enjoyed a picnic lunch at Guadalupe River State Park and then we took a swim.

Bowling with My Man

Tonight, while my niece was at dance, I took my nephew (and brother & sister-in-law) bowling with arcade games and to dinner.  I love spending time with him doing what he enjoys.  Gosh, I love this little man!

Summer Vacation 2014--Day 2

Today, we went to the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham.  After our tour of the factory and eating a heaping scoop of ice cream, we drove through Chappell Hill, which holds significance on Dad's Mom's Mom's side of the family, to Washington-on-the-Brazos, the birthplace of Texas.

The Barrington Living  History Farm was a big hit.  The lady on duty was completely in costume and in character.  She was great!

We stopped for photos at Junk Gypsy in Round Top.  Sadly, they weren't open.

Summer Vacation 2014--Day 1

On our first day of Summer Vacation with my niece and nephew, we went to the San Antonio Zoo.  The kids love visiting zoos, and we love doing what they love, so we braved the near 100 degree temps and visited the animals.  We rounded out our day trip with a train ride and picnic.

Witte Museum with My Girl

While Bub is off at Boy Scout Summer Camp, I got to spend a little time with my niece. She really wanted to go to the Witte Museum, so off we went.  I love her excitement for learning and fun.  I love to explore new things and ideas with her.  I just love spending time with her.  Even if we are sitting silently.

Thanks for a great day, Sis! Love you!

She got to choose where to have breakfast.  Love that smile!

Maybe a future scientist??

Playing an old school pinball game to learn about digestion.

Life-size Operation

 She loves this exhibit in the Treehouse.

Riding a bike, but she is pedaling with her hands.

 Overlooking the San Antonio River.

 Taking a break while Gram and Auntie look at the art exhibit.

The Fiesta Exhibit had gowns and trains decorated from storybooks.  They were very pretty, and some dated back to the 1940s.

Happy Independence Day!

July 4th
Independence Day

What comes to mind when you think of this American holiday?
What traditions do you have?
What do you and your family do?

I love history, and there are so many historical moments connected to July 4th.
If you visit Wikipedia, you will find a long list of events that occurred on July 4th throughout history involving various countries and governments around the world and impacting history, science, literature, and sports. There are also a lot of people who call July 4th their birthday as well.
The one that impacts us the most today is:

• 1776 – American Revolution: The United States Declaration of Independence is adopted by the Second Continental Congress.

When I was very young, all of the neighborhoods behind us did not exist.  There was a street with houses, which put 2 houses somewhat close to us in the back.  Next to them was just open field.  With so much land around us (we live on almost 2 acres), my parents would invite friends over, and we would play with sparklers and shoot fireworks.  Well, one year, a firework went crazy and landed in the field near one of the houses behind us. My parents and visiting friends grabbed buckets of water and took off to put the fire out.  Thankfully, they were able to put it out quickly with no one getting hurt and without the firemen being called. From that moment on, we have not shot fireworks at my house again.

There is a huge field at the end of our road.  Growing up, it was a cotton farm, but now it is corn or maize.  Every year, many, many people would shoot fireworks from that field, so we would sit at the end of our road and watch.  Somewhere in the last 15 years or so, that has stopped due to the overgrowth of the little road running down the middle and the changing laws to prohibit shooting fireworks in the city.

We have spent a few years going to a neighboring town's annual show too.  Especially those years before our town started their own show.

Six years ago, our little, yet growing, town started an annual fireworks display.  For 3 years, I would go with Granny, Mom, my brother (if he was in town), sister-in-law, niece, and nephew, and we would go to the high school stadium parking lot to have a pizza picnic and enjoy the fireworks.  Some years, if my aunt and cousins were in town, they would join us too. The kids had the absolute best time. Two years ago was very emotional for me b/c the kids were no longer here, so Mom and I took Granny, and we went to enjoy.  Last year, the first year without Granny, Mom and I got my Great Aunt and cousins (her son and daughter-in-law) to join us, and we had a nice time.  We did that again this year.  

The thing about this annual show is that it, like this year and last, could be a full week before July 4th.  So . . . what do we do on the actual date of July 4th?  On Independence Day?
We might go to the neighboring town.  A friend has invited Mom and I over.  Another friend invited me over.  I don't know.  We shall see.

Are there specific foods you cook or eat?  I expect to have BBQ.  Growing up, Dad would grill and cook BBQ chicken, pork, and/or ribs with baked beans and potato salad.  Since his passing, Mom and I haven't grilled.  One year, we went to one BBQ place, and they ran out of meat.  What??  We went to a 2nd place, and we enjoyed it greatly.  I wonder if we'll get any today and if so, from where.

Does celebrating Independence Day make anyone else emotional?  Besides not being able to celebrate it with the those I love like in the past, the playing of Patriotic music makes me cry.  I don't know if it is due to my love of country, my gratefulness to the men and women who have fought to keep us free, or what, but fireworks and Patriotic music make me emotional.  Anyone else?

No matter the traditions, memories, emotions, or special events, I wish you and your family a very happy and safe Independence Day!

Moving Day

Today was moving day.  Not my moving day.  Moving furniture out of Granny's house to empty it in preparation for the painters.  It was a little emotional standing in each room for the last time with her furniture (or what was left that we had not moved ourselves). 14 pieces of furniture and 6 items from the garage.  Once the movers were done wrapping, padding, and loading it, we headed to our house.  Some of the furniture was put inside our house for our use.  Other items were placed in the shed until we can find a new owner.  The tools were placed in the garage/carport until we find a new owner or need to use them. We don't really have room for all these things, but I just can't part with them.  We will have a dining room table again, we will have a place to store her china, we will have all her sewing equipment for me to make amazing projects (if I actually sit down and make the time), we will have her swivel rocking chair to enjoy (we love sitting in that chair), and so many more pieces. Now . . . to get our house in order.  Wonder how long that will take us.

Have you had to clean out a loved one's home?  What did you do with all the furniture and personal items?
What family pieces hold the most memories for you?

I'm so grateful my BFF shares her husband with us.  That did not sound right.  :-)  Her husband is a great handyman.  He can fix and build a lot of things.  Today, he came over to replace 3 light fixtures, unlock a lock, help us undo a lightbulb and found a live wire that should't be there, and fix the front door. I'm so grateful for him giving his time when we need him.

Remodeling a House is Expensive and Exhausting

Granny passed away a year ago February, and we have still not gotten the house, garage, and backyard sheds cleared out.  We decided to focus this week on finishing all we can inside the actual house.  Up to this point, we have cleaned out, trashed, and donated tons and tons and tons of stuff.  We have moved the major furniture and heavier items all we can.  Now, we are down to the last of the furniture.  We have made space at our house for those items, which meant rearranging furniture and moving some things from one room to another.  We've cleaned and vacuumed as well.  Our house is ready, and the furniture and big items at Granny's are ready.

I am so grateful to our family and friends who have helped us get to this point.  We surely couldn't have done it without them.

Yesterday, the electrician came out.  Since her passing, the master bathroom lights quit working, then the master bedroom lights/fan, then the hallway.  It is all quite strange.  The electrician fixed several light switches and checked outlets.  We now need to change out the light fixtures in the master bedroom and hallway.  Do you know how much electricians make?  I need to leave education to go into electrical work.  They made in 2 hours what I make in 2 to 2.5 days. Wow!

The plumber will be out tomorrow afternoon to change out the kitchen faucet, replace the disposal, and make the guest bathroom sink quit dripping.

Thursday, the movers will be there at 8:00 am to move the furniture.  We are praying they are finished in 2 hours or less.  Do you know how much movers make???

Saturday, the painters will come paint the entire house, ceiling, walls, and trim, white, so it will brighten it and make it look so much cleaner.

Now, we have to decide about flooring. All of what we have done has cost a lot, money we don't really have, so we have to decide if we replace the flooring throughout the whole house now or just get a serious steam cleaning for now and replace flooring in about a year. We are thinking . . .

Now . . . what do we do with all the little items in the garage and backyard shed?  We are out of space at my house.

For those of you who have had to clean out a loved one's home, what did you do with everything?

Last Dance Contest of 2014

Tonight was my niece's final dance competition of 2013-2014.  She performed her solo and was phenomenal, and I think it just might have been her best routine of all.

Sis, I love you and am so unbelievably proud of you!  Not only do you work hard at dance, but you are a reader, love school, and work hard on your grades.  Love you!